Quetzalcoatl

This image to me is an amazing feat of mathematical precision and engineering and a testament to the remarkable advancements of a sophisticated people but none of that has anything to do with why I think this is an important piece to share in terms of lighting. Truly the architecture itself might be enough to fill page upon page of topics for discussion but I believe there is something even more powerful at work here that resonates very clearly, in my mind, as to the true significance of an image like this.

Before getting into that though, it is important to keep in mind the astronomical prowess of this ancient civilization and the vital importance that having a clearly defined system for measuring the passing of time was. Timing was everything, it was the the sustenance of their lively hood and systems like the one built in to the pyramid in the image were as accurate as the most sophisticated clocks of today.

What we see here is a shadow created by the steps of the pyramid being cast on to the railing wall of the other steps. This happens only during the spring and fall equinox which marked the beginning of very specific rituals particularly in relation to planting and harvesting of crops. As the sun rises it casts a shadow on the upper most step, then as the day progresses and the sun moves, a shadow is cast from more and more steps creating a sort of undulating pattern on the railing, giving the impression that it is moving downward. Finlay when it reaches the serpent head at the very bottom and all the triangles are connected it seems as if Quetzalcoatl, the feather plumed serpent, God of the sun and supremest of all the Gods has physically descended from the heavens beyond the top of the pyramid down to Earth amongst mortals.

The significance of this in relation to lighting is that it emphasizes the intrinsic evocative power of this wild phenomenon known as light. There are certainly many different cultural values and interpretations placed on light but fundamentally it is a tool of vast potential through whatever eyes you see it.

Within the context of this image for example, the cultural significance of this optical illusion is 3 fold: it depicts the power rules have to gather the masses since this event is something everyone within that society would be attending, it is a precise measuring device to mark the seasons and the beginning of agricultural activities that would help ensure the continuity of the society, and it reinforces the divinity of rulers as the bridge between mortals and Gods and their right to supreme dominion over the populous and all of this was achieved through one simple event. Simply by possession a great knowledge of astronomical movements and the behavior of light, combined with incredibly accurate and astounding feats of engineering, the ruling class of this society could transform naturally occurring events into miraculous works of the Gods themselves and wield it as power that they used to gain control of entire nations.