A Scattering of Jades: Stories, Poems, and Prayers of the Aztecs - Softcover

The University Of Arizona Press

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0816523371 ISBN 13: 9780816523375

Publisher: University of Arizona Press, 2003

Synopsis

Long before Europeans came to America, the Aztecs created a unique culture based on myth and a love of language. Myths and poems were an important part of their culture, and a successful speech by a royal orator was pronounced "a great scattering of jades." A Scattering of Jades is an anthology of the best of Aztec literature, compiled by a noted anthropologist and a skilled translator of Nahuatl. It is a storehouse of myths, narratives, poems, and proverbs-as well as prayers and songs to the Aztec gods that provide insight into how these people's perception of the cosmos drove their military machine. Featuring a translation of the Mexicayotl-a work as important today for Mexico's concept of nationhood and ideology as it was at the time of the Conquest-these selections eloquently depict the everyday life of this ancient people and their unique worldview. A Scattering of Jades is an unsurpassed window on ancient Mesoamerican civilization and an essential companion for anyone studying Aztec history, religion, or culture.

About this title

About the Author

Timothy J. Knab is the author of A War of Witches: A Journey into the Underworld of the Contemporary Aztecs.

From the Back Cover

Long before Europeans came to America, the Aztecs created a unique culture based on myth and a love of language. Myths and poems were an important part of their culture, and a successful speech by a royal orator was pronounced "a great scattering of jades." "A Scattering of Jades" is an anthology of the best of Aztec literature, compiled by a noted anthropologist and a skilled translator of Nahuatl. It is a storehouse of myths, narratives, poems, and proverbs--as well as prayers and songs to the Aztec gods that provide insight into how these people's perception of the cosmos drove their military machine. Featuring a translation of the "Mexicayotl"--a work as important today for Mexico's concept of nationhood and ideology as it was at the time of the Conquest--these selections eloquently depict the everyday life of this ancient people and their unique worldview. "A Scattering of Jades" is an unsurpassed window on ancient Mesoamerican civilization and an essential companion for anyone studying Aztec history, religion, or culture.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Arizona Press
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0816523371
• ISBN 13: 9780816523375
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 271