An Illustrated Dictionary of the Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya

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 his and religion| while a substantial bibliographical survey directs the reader to original sources and discussions.
Dictionary entries are illustrated with photographs and line drawings.