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Accepted Paper:

Bones and skulls among the Aztecs  
Elizabeth Baquedano (University College London)

Paper short abstract:

This paper looks at bones as trophies and as symbols of victory and prestige in Aztec Mexico. It examines the relation between captors and captives in the aftermath of warfare and pays specific attention to the use of skull racks (tzompantli).

Paper long abstract:

This paper looks at bones as trophies and as symbols of victory and prestige in Aztec Mexico. It examines the relation between captors and captives in the aftermath of warfare. I pay specific attention to the use of skull racks (tzompantli) and investigate the role of skulls in glorifying military successes. Aztec warfare was inextricably tied to religion, so warriors were essential members of society. The state rewarded warriors for courage and particularly for capturing enemies in the battlefield. Colonial authors writing in the sixteenth century described at length the fate of the captive's body and the importance attached to certain of his bones, mainly the femur and the skull. I contend that both femur and skulls were used to represent such concepts as success, glory and state recognition. Warriors who took captives in war were allowed to keep and display femur bones outside their houses as signs of prestige. Yet, skulls were also used as symbols of defeat, capture and intimidation.

Panel P14
Exploring the dangers and virtues of ancient things
  Session 1