Product Description

The myths and beliefs of the great pre-Columbian civilizations of Mesoamerica have baffled and fascinated outsiders ever since the Spanish Conquest. This is a dictionary of Mesoamerican mythology and religion, which seeks to act as a guide to this labyrinthine symbolic world. Nearly 300 entries, from Tlaltecuhtli, the Aztec earth monster, to Venus, the Mesoamerican planet of danger, describe the main gods and symbols of the Olmecs, Zapotecs, Maya, Teotihuacanos, Mixtecs, Toltecs and Aztecs. Topics range from jaguar and jester gods to reptile eye and rubber, from creation accounts and sacred places to ritual practices such as blood-letting, confession, dance and pilgrimage. Two introductory essays provide succinct accounts of Mesoamerican history and religion, while a substantial bibliographical survey directs the reader to original sources and discussions. Dictionary entries are illustrated with photographs and line drawings.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #136060 in Books
• Published on: 1997-04-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 216 pages

Customer Reviews

Own it, like it, love it!
Well written, interesting and highly enjoyable! This book include informations about the individuals, the communities and their cosmos I haven't found in other books about Mesoamerican. And these highly enjoyable informations are even presented in sometimes poetic sentences. The book is an art in it's own right! And I'm not talking about the photos!