The illustrations in this book are, for the most part, taken from the native Mexican codices or paintings, and from representations of the gods in stone or pottery. It has, of course, been impossible to furnish every picture or representation alluded to in the text, but these, in their entirety, will be found in the excellent coloured reproductions in collotype published by the Duc de Loubat, full particulars of which are given in the bibliography of the codices on pages 378–381. These reproductions can be consulted in many of the greater libraries, especially in those connected with the Universities. I have preferred, in many cases, to furnish the student with those representations of the gods which he would have found it more or less difficult to procure. The numbers of the pages or sheets attached to the illustrations refer to the places where the respective figures can be found in the reproductions of the Duc de Loubat.
In conclusion, I have to thank my daughter, who took infinite pains in transcribing from books and treatises difficult of access, in the British Museum and the Advocates’ Library, Edinburgh, and who sacrificed much of that time which young people usually devote to amusement in order that she might help me in a difficult task.
L. S. [[xi]]
[1] See Bibliography for description of this and all other works alluded to throughout the work. [↑]
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
The type and evolution of Mexican religion—The antiquity of Mexican religion—The literature of Mexican religion: I, The native codices; II, The native writings; III, Native art-forms; IV, Writings of the Spanish conquerors of Mexico—The origins of Mexican religion—Evidence of early religion in Mexico—Deification of the elements of growth—Evidences of primitive influences—Fetishtic origin of gods—Animal gods—Growth of the rain-cult—The necessity for human sacrifice—The later elements of Mexican religion—Cultural elements of Mexican religion—The Quetzalcoatl cult—The cult of obsidian—Unity of religious conception throughout Mexico pp. 1–35