Abstract
AbstractA notched and elaborately decorated human femur purchased at Culhuacan is identified as anomichicahuaztli, the bone rattle or musical rasp which provided musical accompaniment in Aztec funeral ceremonies for dead warriors. The incised designs consist of symbols of war, sacrifice, blood, and death, arranged in a single composition which is analyzed in terms of seven major parts: solar disc and starry sky, shield beneath the sky, eagle warrior, figure clad in slain victim's skin, earth monster, blood streams, and darts. A detailed comparison with Aztec codices and stone monuments shows that the decoration on the Culhuacan rattle is a typical expression of the religious symbolism relating to the death of warriors in late Aztec times, just preceding the Spanish conquest.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
