About the Painting:

Cihuateteo were the spirits of women who died in childbirth. Aztec/Mexica culture likened labor to a battlefield and if the woman was victorious she would have a successful birth. Some were not so lucky however and those who died during were said to transform into a malevolent spirit as her soul left her body. The family of the deceased would have to guard the body until burial as it was common for others to try and steal parts of her. Most commonly the left hand middle finger was believed to gain magical abilities. Cihuateteo would appear with swirling unkempt hair, a skirt of serpents and possess a body that hadn’t gone through the physical toll of birthing and breastfeeding. Also they loved to haunt crossroads at night so keep that in mind when wandering alone.