Codex Mendoza Collection

MEXICO: AZTEC WEDDING. Aztec wedding ceremony, during which the clothes of the bride and groom are tied. The bride is then carried home by the matchmaker. Page from the Codex Mendoza, Aztec, c1540

AZTEC CODEX MENDOZA, 1540. Aztec warriors receiving trophies for captured prisoners. A page from the Codex Mendoza, c1540

MEXICO: CODEX MENDOZA. A young Aztec man playing patolli, a dice game. Page from the Codex Mendoza, Aztec, c1540

AZTECS: RECREATION, c1540. An entertainer sings and beats a drum with a head of ocelot skin (top). Below him is a youth playing ball. Page from the Codex Mendoza, Aztec, c1540

AZTECS: DRINKING, c1540. Aztec elders were allowed to get drunk. The woman in the bottom drawing is moving toward a pot of pulque, a liquor made from the maguey cactus

MEXICO: CODEX MENDOZA. A father teaches his son to carry firewood, to handle a canoe, and to fish

TENOCHTITLAN (MEXICO CITY) with Aztec pictographs and Spanish text from the Codex Mendoza, c1542

AZTEC WARRIOR PRIEST and prisoner from Codex Mendoza, c1525-1550

AZTEC CODEX MENDOZA, 1540. Aztec warriors armed with bows and arrows provoking war. Page from the Codex Mendoza, c1540

Birth of a child (left) and baptism ritual in which a grandmother bathes a newborn child while three boys call out his
AZTEC BAPTISMAL RITUAL. Birth of a child (left) and baptism ritual in which a grandmother bathes a newborn child while three boys call out his name. Page from the Codex Mendoza, Aztec, c1540

Plan of the palace and courtyard of Montezuma. Drawing from the Codex Mendoza, c1540
AZTEC: PALACE OF MONTEZUMA. Plan of the palace and courtyard of Montezuma. Drawing from the Codex Mendoza, c1540

Codex Mendoza, reproduction of page with illustration of taxes paid to Aztec rulers by subject peoples
Mexico, 16th century. Codex Mendoza. Reproduction of a page with illustration of taxes paid to Aztec rulers by subject peoples

Reproduction of page form Codex Mendoza with jaguar skins and feathers, form, 16th Century
Mexico, 16th century. Codex Mendoza. Reproduction of a page with illustration of list of taxes paid by the Confederate cities to the Aztec king. Detail, jaguar skins and feathers

Reproduction of page Codex Mendoza with illustration of Aztec warriors armed with lances and shields, 16th Century
Mexico, 16th century. Codex Mendoza. Reproduction of a page with illustration of Aztec warriors armed with lances and shields

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The Codex Mendoza, a collection of hieroglyphic paintings from the Aztec civilization, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich and complex world of ancient Mexico. Dating back to 1540, this historical artifact provides valuable insights into various aspects of Aztec life. One illustration depicts Aztec warriors receiving trophies for capturing prisoners. It showcases their bravery and military prowess, highlighting the importance of warfare in their society. Another scene portrays a young Aztec man engrossed in patolli, a dice game that was popular among the people. This reveals their love for recreation and leisure activities. Intriguingly, the codex also sheds light on drinking customs among the Aztecs. Elders were allowed to indulge in alcohol to an extent that they could get drunk – a unique cultural practice indeed. However, it is important to note that excessive drunkenness was not tolerated by all; as depicted in one panel, capital punishment awaited those who crossed certain boundaries. Family dynamics are beautifully captured within these pages as well. A father teaching his son how to carry firewood and handle a canoe exemplifies intergenerational knowledge transfer and emphasizes practical skills essential for survival in their environment. Additionally, an image showcasing an Aztec wedding ceremony highlights the significance placed on marital unions within their culture. The it also features pictographs depicting Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City), providing us with invaluable information about urban planning during that time period. The fusion of Spanish text alongside these indigenous symbols demonstrates both cultural exchange and colonial influence. Lastly, moments of birth and baptism rituals are portrayed with great care and detail. From the birth of a child celebrated by family members calling out its name to grandmothers bathing newborns during baptism ceremonies - these scenes showcase cherished traditions surrounding new life within this ancient civilization.