The Mexican Age / Siecle des Mexiquains
London: William Jackson, 1734.
Copper plate engraving. Measures 10 5/8" x 15 1/4".
From volume three of "Ceremonies and Religious Customs of the Various Nations of the Known World" by Bernard Picart. This print depicts the Aztec agricultural calendar system known as the Xiuhpohualli, with a textual explanation in English and French from Gemeli Careri's book "Voyages". The outermost ring of the chart, encircled by a serpent, represents an age, or 52 years- each year represented by one of four symbols. Moving inward, the 18 20-day months making up one year are each depicted with a different symbol ("Veintena") representing a religious or agricultural festival held on the first day of that period. The innermost circle, labeled "The Mexican Year" / "Annee de Mexiquains" contains four symbols. Additions by the engraver such as moon phases highlight the fact that this was a western interpretation, rather than a primary Aztec source, and may have been inaccurate in some ways. However, "Ceremonies and Religious Customs of the Various Nations of the Known World" was extremely impactful as one of the first texts compiling non-western traditions and religion and exposing Europeans to cultures outside of their own. The print is in excellent condition.
Illustrator: Bernard Picart
Binding: Unbound
Language: English
Price: $300.00
Item #326644