alb5412803

Tovar Codex, Aztec Priest Performs Human Sacrifice

Human sacrifice. An high priest holding a spear presides over the sacrifice of a man whose heart is removed by an assistant. In the background, another assistant on the steps of a temple or pyramid holds an incense burner. The offering of the victim's heart to the gods satisfied the Aztec belief that the sun would rise again nourished by the hearts of men. The xochiyaoyotl (Flower Wars) were conducted to capture prisoners for the sacrificial offerings needed for the gods. The Tovar Codex contains detailed information about the rites and ceremonies of the Aztecs. The codex is illustrated with 51 full-page paintings in watercolor. Illustration taken from a 19th century transcript of Juan de Tovar's Historia de la benida de los yndios apoblar a Mexico (the Co´dice Tovar).

Share
Pinterest
Twitter
Facebook
Copy link
Email

Add to another lightbox

Do you already have an account? Sign in

You do not have an account? Register

Buy this image

Title:

Tovar Codex, Aztec Priest Performs Human Sacrifice

Caption:

Human sacrifice. An high priest holding a spear presides over the sacrifice of a man whose heart is removed by an assistant. In the background, another assistant on the steps of a temple or pyramid holds an incense burner. The offering of the victim's heart to the gods satisfied the Aztec belief that the sun would rise again nourished by the hearts of men. The xochiyaoyotl (Flower Wars) were conducted to capture prisoners for the sacrificial offerings needed for the gods. The Tovar Codex contains detailed information about the rites and ceremonies of the Aztecs. The codex is illustrated with 51 full-page paintings in watercolor. Illustration taken from a 19th century transcript of Juan de Tovar's Historia de la benida de los yndios apoblar a Mexico (the Co´dice Tovar).

Personalities:

AZTEC

Credit:

Album / Science Source / LOC/Jay I. Kislak Collection

Releases:

Model: No - Property: No
Rights questions?

Image size:

4500 x 3170 px | 40.8 MB

Print size:

38.1 x 26.8 cm | 15.0 x 10.6 in (300 dpi)

Keywords:

16 16TH XVI XVITH SIXTEENTH CENTURY • 16 CENTURY • 16TH CENTURY • 16TH • AGE OF DISCOVERY • AZTEC PRIEST • AZTEC • CELEBRITY • CEREMONY • CODICES • FAMOUS • FLOWER WARS • FLOWERY WARS • GLYPHIC • GLYPHS • HEART REMOVED • HISTORY • HUMAN SACRIFICE • JUAN DE TOVAR • MESOAMERICA • MESOAMERICAN • PAINTING • PRE-COLUMBIAN • RITE • RITUAL SACRIFICE • RITUAL WARS • RITUAL • SACRIFICE, HUMAN • TOVAR CODEX • WATERCOLOR • XOCHIYAOYOTL