The image of the Mexican indian can be seen in the faces of the angels and cherubs which decorate the interior of the church of Santa Maria Tonantzintla.

Tonantzintla & Acatapec

Detail of carving from Tonantzintla church

The churches are located in the village of Tonantzintla, 5 km from Cholula just off the Road which connects Puebla and Atlixco.
The churches date from the 18th Century.
They are open to the public from 10.00-1.00 and from 3.00 to 5.00.
The interiors show a unique fusion of Mexican Indian art and Christian religious themes.
Tonantzintla is also home to the Mexican National Astrophysics Observatory.
The name Tonantzintla is derived from the Aztec Goddess Tonantzin, the earth mother.
Map of Puebla State

Mexican Indian Art: Details from the Churches in Acatepec and Tonantzintla

Ceramic sheep mural at Acatepec church

Mexican Indian art applied to Christian themes

The church at Acatepec

The Mexico Child link trust works with abandoned and orphan children with learning disability. Many of them are ex street children who have been rescued from children's jails, reform schools and other institutions in the Puebla area. The project site is located 20 miles from these churches.