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 Codex Tovar)

Picture No

12696097

Media ID

47669903

Size

4500px x 3170px (2.6MB)

Credit

LOC/Jay I. Kislak Collection/Science Source/Mary Evans