Key Info

- Protector of roads for native Mexicans

- Blood covered rubber and banners were given as offerings on the roads

Brief Bio

Tlacotzontli's primary role was as a deity of pathways and thoroughfares. He provided protection to people who traveled on roads. To gain favor and protection from Tlacotzontli, travelers would perform acts of self-sacrifice along the roads. They might cut themselves and also leave offerings of paper banners stained with blood and rubber. In some sources, Tlacotzontli was considered the daytime counterpart to Zacatzontli, who was the god of the night road and a protector of merchants traveling at night.