Excavations at an Epiclassic site in the state of Tlaxcala have revealed a cache of twelve highly polished obsidian mirrors buried in a ritual pattern. Researchers from INAH believe these mirrors were used in early divination ceremonies that served as the foundation for the later Aztec festivals dedicated to Tezcatlipoca, the 'Smoking Mirror' god. The mirrors were found alongside jaguar bones and incense burners containing resin from the copal tree.
The discovery suggests that the complex theological concepts of reflection, destiny, and seasonal renewal were celebrated in organized festivals centuries earlier than previously thought. The optical quality of the mirrors indicates a high level of craftsmanship, reflecting a society that placed immense value on the visual and ritual performance of its spiritual elite.