Ai apaec

Ai apaec (from the Mochica Aiapæc [a.ja.pøk] or [aiapøk]), was the chief deity of the Mochica culture. The most feared and adored of all punitive gods, it was also referred to as the “headsman”. Ai Apaec was worshipped as the creator god, protector of the Moche, a provider of water, food and military triumphs. Aiapaec means 'maker' in the Mochica language.

Aiapaec in a wall in the Huaca de la Luna

Representations

The most common representation of Ai Apaec is the one seen in the murals of the Temples of the Sun and the Moon, which present an anthropomorphic face with feline fangs, surrounded by ocean waves.

Ai apaec was represented in several ways, depending on the period, place, and medium used. In metallurgy, for example, Ai apaec is often seen as a spider with eight legs and an anthropomorphic face with jaguar fangs. In ceramics the divinity is often more anthropomorphic, usually with his head in his hands and sometimes with two snakes sprouting from his head. In sculpture he is shown with a staff.

It is said that during human sacrifices, prisoners were decapitated and their heads given to Ai apaec.

Ai Apaec is a villain in the Marvel Universe. He is depicted as having the torso of a human male (with snakes for hair and large fangs) with the lower body of an enormous spider. Recruited by Norman Osborn, he is given a special serum that changes him into a six armed version of Spider-Man. In this form he is a member of Osborne's second version of the Dark Avengers.[1] He first appeared in Osborn #1 (2011). He also makes an appearance during the Spider-Island saga.[2] In the epic Spiderverse collection, a version of Ai Apaec in Earth-1771, was consumed by Karn during his hunt while exiled from his family.

He is depicted as a Jaguar god who empowers Jaguar in Archie Comics New Crusaders.

See also

References
  1. Dark Avengers #175
  2. Spider-Island: Deadly Hands of Kung Fu
  • Art of the Andes, from Chavin to Inca. Rebecca Stone Miller, Thames and Hudson, 1995.
  • The Incas and their Ancestors. Michael E. Moseley, Thames and Hudson, 1992.
  • "Ai Apaec". Google Cultural Institute. — a Museo Larco media presentation
  • www.huacas.com
  • Sun and Moon Official Project information
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