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Pre-Columbian Art. Aztec period. Mexico. Collecting taxes. C
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Pre-Columbian Art. Aztec period. Mexico. Collecting taxes. C
Pre-Columbian Art. Aztec period. Mexico. Collecting taxes. Codex. National Museum of Anthropology. Mexico City
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Media ID 14329967
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Aztec Aztecs Codex Collecting Economy Mexico Payment Pre Columbian Taxes Tribute
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image is taken from a page of the Fitzcarrald Codex, an essential document from the Aztec period in Mexico (circa 1550-1576). The scene depicts an Aztec tax collector, dressed in the regal attire of the time, collecting tribute from a local community. The Aztec Empire, which thrived from the 14th to the 16th century, was known for its complex and extensive system of taxation. The Codex, one of the few surviving pre-Hispanic pictorial records, offers a unique insight into the economic organization of the Aztec civilization. The tax collector, with a feathered headdress and a large bag slung over his back, is shown collecting various goods, including maize, beans, and precious stones. These items would be taken back to the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, to be used for the maintenance of the empire and its military. The Aztecs believed that the payment of taxes was a sacred duty, a concept that reinforced their social order and legitimized the power of their rulers. The intricate designs and vivid colors of the Codex illustrations provide a testament to the artistic achievements of the Aztecs, while also offering a glimpse into their daily life and economic practices. This photograph, taken at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, serves as a powerful reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage of the pre-Columbian Americas. The Codex, along with other artifacts and documents, is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers, providing invaluable insights into the complex and fascinating world of the Aztecs.
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