Tovar Codex, Izcalli, 18th Month Aztec Calendar

The symbol for calli (house) is shown with a flowering plant before it. The text states that the European or Spaniard clothed in red and holding a book serves only to show, by a line extended from his finger to the opposite page, where the Spanish New Year begins on the calendar. This month is called Izcalli (Rebirth). Following this month were the five unlucky or empty days of the Aztec calendar called the Nemontemi. The Tovar Codex (16th century) 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

12696124

Media ID

47670778

Size

3215px x 4350px (1.9MB)

Credit

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