Chapter I: Front Matter

Transcriber's Note:

Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in the original document have
been preserved. Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.

Italic text is denoted by _underscores_.

The character e-breve (e with a small curved line over) is represented
in the text by [)e].

The character m-macron is represented in the text by [|m].

Italics in the footnote citations were inconsistently applied by
the typesetter.

On page 43, a word is possibly missing in the phrase "we will pass
over third force, 'la race';"

In footnote 95, the citation for Herrera is missing a book name.

On the fold-out chart between pages 509 and 510, Clavigero, Month 10
may be "Xocohuetzl".

In footnote 638, a reference to Leon y Gama, Dos Piedras, is
incomplete.

THE WORKS OF HUBERT HOWE BANCROFT.

VOLUME II.

THE NATIVE RACES.

VOL. II. CIVILIZED NATIONS.

SAN FRANCISCO: A. L. BANCROFT & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. 1883.

Entered according to Act of Congress in the Year 1882, by
HUBERT H. BANCROFT,

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

_All Rights Reserved._

CONTENTS OF THIS VOLUME.

CHAPTER I.
SAVAGISM AND CIVILIZATION.

PAGE.
Definition of the Terms -- The Universal Soul of Progress --
Man the Instrument and not the Element of Progress -- Origin
of Progressional Phenomena -- The Agency of Evil -- Is
Civilization Conducive to Happiness? -- Objective and
Subjective Humanity -- Conditions Essential to Progress --
Continental Configurations -- Food and Climate -- Wealth and
Leisure -- Association -- War, Slavery, Religion, and
Government -- The Development of Progressional Law 1

CHAPTER II.
GENERAL VIEW OF THE CIVILIZED NATIONS.

The American Civilization of the Sixteenth Century -- Its
Disappearance -- The Past, a New Element -- Dividing line
between Savage and Civilized Tribes -- Bounds of American
Civilization -- Physical Features of the Country -- Maya and
Nahua Branches of Aboriginal Culture -- The Nahua
Civilization -- The Aztecs its Representatives -- Limits of
the Aztec Empire -- Ancient History of Anáhuac in Outline --
The Toltec Era -- The Chichimec Era -- The Aztec Era --
Extent of the Aztec Language -- Civilized Peoples outside of
Anáhuac -- Central American Nations -- The Maya Culture --
The Primitive Maya Empire -- Nahua Influence in the South --
Yucatan and the Mayas -- The Nations of Chiapas -- The
Quiché Empire in Guatemala -- The Nahuas in Nicaragua and
Salvador -- Etymology of Names 81

CHAPTER III.
GOVERNMENT OF THE NAHUA NATIONS.

System of Government -- The Aztec Confederacy -- Order of
Succession -- Election of Kings among the Mexicans -- Royal
Prerogatives -- Government and Laws of Succession among the
Toltecs, and in Michoacan, Tlascala, Cholula, Huexotzinco,
and Oajaca -- Magnificence of the Nahua Monarchs -- Ceremony
of Anointment -- Ascent to the Temple -- The Holy Unction --
Address of the High-Priest to the King -- Penance and
Fasting in the House called Tlacatecco -- Homage of the
Nobles -- General Rejoicing throughout the Kingdom --
Ceremony of Coronation -- The Procuring of Sacrifices --
Description of the Crown -- Coronation Feasts and
Entertainments -- Hospitality extended to Enemies --
Coronation Speech of Nezahualpilli, King of Tezcuco, to
Montezuma II. of Mexico -- Oration of a Noble to a Newly
elected King 133

CHAPTER IV.
PALACES AND HOUSEHOLDS OF THE NAHUA KINGS.

Extent and Interior of the Great Palace in Mexico -- The
Palace of Nezahualcoyotl, King of Tezcuco -- The Zoölogical
Collections of the Nahua Monarchs -- Montezuma's Oratory --
Royal Gardens and Pleasure-Grounds -- The Hill of
Chapultepec -- Nezahualcoyotl's Country Residence at
Tezcozinco -- Toltec Palaces -- The Royal Guard -- The
King's Meals -- An Aztec Cuisine -- The Audience Chamber --
After-dinner Amusements -- The Royal Wardrobe -- The King
Among his People -- Meeting of Montezuma II. and Cortés --
The King's Harem -- Revenues of the Royal Household --
Policy of Aztec Kings 158

CHAPTER V.
THE PRIVILEGED CLASSES AMONG THE NAHUAS.

Titles of the Nobility and Gentry -- The Power of the Nobles
-- The Aristocracy of Tezcuco -- The Policy of King
Techotlalatzin -- Privileges of the Nobles -- Montezuma's
Policy -- Rivalry between Nobles and Commons -- The Knightly
Order of Tecuhtli -- Ceremony of Initiation -- Origin of the
Order -- The Nahua Priesthood -- The Priests of Mexico --
Dedication of Children -- Priestesses -- Priesthood of
Miztecapan -- The Pontiff of Yopaa -- Tradition of
Wixipecocha -- The Cave of Yopaa -- The Zapotec Priests --
Toltec Priests -- Totonac Priests -- Priests of Michoacan,
Puebla, and Tlascala 186

CHAPTER VI.
PLEBEIANS, SLAVES, TENURE OF LANDS, AND TAXATION.

Influence of the Commoners -- Oppression by Nobles --
Deprived of Office by Montezuma II. -- Classes of Slaves --
Penal Slaves -- Voluntary Slavery -- Slave Market at
Azcapuzalco -- Punishment and Privileges of Slaves --
Division of Lands -- Crown Lands -- Lands of the Nobles --
Municipal Property -- Property of the Temples -- Tenure of
Lands in Zapotecapan, Miztecapan, Michoacan, Tlascala,
Cholula, and Huexotzinco -- Similarity to Feudal System of
Europe -- System of Taxation -- Municipal Taxes -- Lice
Tribute -- Tribute from Conquered Provinces -- Revenue
Officers -- Injustice of Montezuma II. 216

CHAPTER VII.
EDUCATION, MARRIAGE, CONCUBINAGE, CHILDBIRTH, AND BAPTISM.

Education of the Nahua Youth -- Manner of Punishment --
Marriage Preliminaries -- Nuptial Ceremony -- Observance
after Marriage -- Mazatec, Otomí, Chichimec, and Toltec
Marriages -- Divorce -- Concubinage -- Ceremonies
Preliminary to Childbirth -- Treatment of Pregnant Women --
Proceedings of Midwife -- Superstitions with regard to Women
who Died in Childbed -- Abortion -- Baptism -- Speeches of
Midwife -- Naming of Children -- Baptism among the
Tlascaltecs, Mixtecs, and Zapotecs -- Circumcision and
Scarification of Infants 240

CHAPTER VIII.
NAHUA FEASTS AND AMUSEMENTS.

Excessive Fondness for Feasts -- Manner of Giving Feasts --
Serving the Meal -- Professional Jesters -- Parting Presents
to Guests -- Royal Banquets -- Tobacco Smoking -- Public
Dances -- Manner of Singing and Dancing -- The Neteteliztli
-- The Drama among the Nahuas -- Music and Musical
Instruments -- Nahua Poetry -- Acrobatic Feats -- The
Netololiztli, or 'Bird Dance' -- Professional Runners -- The
Game of Tlactli -- Games of Chance -- The Patoliztli, or
'Bean Game' -- Totoloque, Montezuma's Favorite Game 283

CHAPTER IX.
PUBLIC FESTIVALS.

Frequent Occurrence of Religious Feasts -- Human Sacrifices
-- Feasts of the Fourth Year -- Monthly Festivals --
Sacrifice of Children -- Feast of Xipe -- Manner of
Sacrifice -- Feasts of Camaxtli, of the Flower Dealers, of
Centeotl, of Tezcatlipoca, and of Huitzilopochtli --
Festival of the Salt Makers -- The Sacrifice by Fire --
Feast of the Dead -- The Coming of the Gods -- The
Footprints on the Mat -- Hunting Feast -- The Month of Love
-- Hard Times -- Nahua Lupercalia -- Feasts of the Sun, of
the Winter Solstice -- Harvest and Eight-Year Festivals --
The Binding of the Sheaf 302

CHAPTER X.
FOOD OF THE NAHUA NATIONS.

Origin of Agriculture -- Floating Gardens -- Agricultural
Products -- Manner of preparing the Soil -- Description of
Agricultural Implements -- Irrigation -- Granaries --
Gardens -- The Harvest Feast -- Manner of Hunting -- Fishing
-- Methods of procuring Salt -- Nahua Cookery -- Various
kinds of Bread -- Beans -- Pepper -- Fruit -- Tamales --
Miscellaneous Articles of Food -- Eating of Human Flesh --
Manufacture of Pulque -- Preparation of Chocolatl -- Other
Beverages -- Intoxicating Drinks -- Drunkenness -- Time and
Manner of Taking Meals 342

CHAPTER XI.
DRESS OF THE NAHUA NATIONS.

Progress in Dress -- Dress of the Pre-Aztec Nations --
Garments of the Chichimecs and Toltecs -- Introduction of
Cotton -- The Maxtli -- The Tilmatli -- Dress of the
Acolhuas -- Origin of the Tarascan Costume -- Dress of the
Zapotecs and Tabascans -- Dress of Women -- The Huipil and
Cueitl -- Sandals -- Manner of Wearing the Hair -- Painting
and Tattooing -- Ornaments used by the Nahuas -- Gorgeous
Dress of the Nobles -- Dress of the Royal Attendants --
Names of the Various Mantles -- The Royal Diadem -- The
Royal Wardrobe -- Costly Decorations 363

CHAPTER XII.
COMMERCE OF THE NAHUA NATIONS.

The Main Features of Nahua Commerce -- Commerce in Pre-Aztec
Times -- Outrages Committed by Aztec Merchants -- Privileges
of the Merchants of Tlatelulco -- Jealousy between Merchants
and Nobles -- Articles used as Currency -- The Markets of
Anáhuac -- Arrangement and Regulations of the Market-Places
-- Number of Buyers and Sellers -- Transportation of Wares
-- Traveling Merchants -- Commercial Routes -- Setting out
on a Journey -- Caravans of Traders -- The Return -- Customs
and Feasts of the Merchants -- Nahua Boats and Navigation 378

CHAPTER XIII.
WAR-CUSTOMS OF THE NAHUAS.

Importance of the Military Profession -- Indications of Rank
-- Education of Warriors -- Rewards for Valor -- Military
Orders and their Dress -- Gorgeous War-Dresses of Montezuma
and the Aztec Nobility -- Dress of the Common Soldiers --
Armor and Defensive Weapons -- Offensive Weapons --
Standards -- Ambassadors and Couriers -- Fortifications --
The Military Council -- Articles of War -- Declaration of
War -- Spies -- Order of March and Battle -- War Customs of
the Tlascaltecs and Tarascos -- Return of the Conquering
Army -- Celebration of Feats of Arms 400

CHAPTER XIV.
NAHUA LAWS AND LAW COURTS.

General Remarks -- the Cihuacoatl, or Supreme Judge -- the
Court of the Tlacatecatl -- Jurisdiction of the Tecuhtlis --
the Centectlapixques and Topillis -- Law Courts and Judges
of Tezcuco -- Eighty-Day Council -- Tribunal of the King --
Court Proceedings -- Lawyers -- Witnesses -- Remuneration of
Judges -- Justice of King Nezahualpilli -- He orders his
Son's Execution -- Montezuma and the Farmer -- Jails -- Laws
against Theft, Murder, Treason, Kidnapping, Drunkenness,
Witchcraft, Adultery, Incest, Sodomy, Fornication, and other
Crimes -- Story of Nezahualcoyotl and the Boy 433

CHAPTER XV.
NAHUA ARTS AND MANUFACTURES.

Metals Used and Manner of Obtaining Them -- Working of Gold
and Silver -- Wonderful Skill in Imitating Gilding and
Plating -- Working in Stone -- Lapidary Work -- Wood Carving
-- Manufacture of Pottery -- Various Kinds of Cloth --
Manufacture of Paper and Leather -- Preparation of Dyes and
Paints -- The Art of Painting -- Feather Mosaic Work --
Leaf-Mats -- Manner of Kindling Fire -- Torches -- Soap --
Council of Arts in Tezcuco -- Oratory and Poetry --
Nezahualcoyotl's Odes on the Mutability of Life, and the
Tyrant Tezozomoc -- Aztec Arithmetical System 473

CHAPTER XVI.
THE AZTEC CALENDAR.

Astronomical Knowledge of the Aztecs -- Contradictions of
Authors respecting the Calendar -- Value of the Researches
of Various Writers -- The First Regular Calendar -- The
Mexican Cycle -- The Civil Year -- The Aztec Months -- Names
of the Days and their Signification -- The Commencement of
the Aztec Year -- The Ritual Calendar -- Gama's Arrangement
of the Months -- The Calendar-Stone -- The Four Destructions
of the World -- The Calendar of Michoacan -- Reckoning of
the Zapotecs 502

CHAPTER XVII.
THE AZTEC PICTURE-WRITING.

Hieroglyphic Records -- The Native Books -- Authorities --
Destruction of the Native Archives by Zumárraga and his
Confrères -- Picture-Writings used after the Conquest for
Confession and Law-Suits -- Value of the Records --
Documents sent to Spain in the Sixteenth Century -- European
Collections -- Lord Kingsborough's Work -- Picture-Writings
retained in Mexico -- Collections of Ixtlilxochitl,
Sigüenza, Gemelli Careri, Boturini, Veytia, Leon y Gama,
Pichardo, Aubin, and the National Museum of Mexico --
Process of Hieroglyphic Development -- Representative,
Symbolic, and Phonetic Picture-Writing -- Origin of Modern
Alphabets -- The Aztec System -- Specimen from the Codex
Mendoza -- Specimen from Gemelli Careri -- Specimen from the
Boturini Collection -- Probable future Success of
Interpreters -- The Nepohualtzitzin 523

CHAPTER XVIII.
ARCHITECTURE AND DWELLINGS OF THE NAHUAS.

Architecture of the Ancient Nations -- General Features of
Nahua Architecture -- The Arch -- Exterior and Interior
Decorations -- Method of Building -- Inclined Planes --
Scaffolds -- The use of the Plummet -- Building Materials --
Position and Fortification of Towns -- Mexico Tenochtitlan
-- The Great Causeways -- Quarters and Wards of Mexico --
The Market Place -- Fountains and Aqueducts -- Light-houses
and Street-work -- City of Tezcuco -- Dwellings -- Aztec
Gardens -- Temple of Huitzilopochtli -- Temple of Mexico --
Other Temples -- Teocalli at Cholula and Tezcuco 553

CHAPTER XIX.
MEDICINE AND FUNERAL RITES AMONG THE NAHUAS.

Mexican Contributions to Medical Science -- The Botanical
Gardens -- Longevity -- Prevalent Diseases -- Introduction
of Small-Pox and Syphilis -- Medical Treatment -- The
Temazcalli -- Aboriginal Physicians -- The Aztec Faculty --
Standard Remedies -- Surgery -- Superstitious Ceremonies in
Healing -- Funeral Rites of Aztecs -- Cremation -- Royal
Obsequies -- Embalming -- The Funeral Pyre -- Human
Sacrifice -- Disposal of the Ashes and Ornaments -- Mourners
-- Funeral Ceremonies of the People -- Certain Classes
Buried -- Rites for the Slain in Battle -- Burial among the
Teo-Chichimecs and Tabascans -- Cremation Ceremonies in
Michoacan -- Burial by the Miztecs in Oajaca 591

CHAPTER XX.
GOVERNMENT, SOCIAL CLASSES, PROPERTY, AND LAWS OF THE MAYA
NATIONS.

Introductory Remarks -- Votan's Empire -- Zamná's Reign --
The Royal Families of Yucatan, Cocomes, Tutul Xius, Itzas,
and Cheles -- Titles and Order of Succession -- Classes of
Nobles -- The Quiché-Cakchiquel Empire in Guatemala -- The
Ahau Ahpop and Succession to the Throne -- Privileged
Classes -- Government of the Provinces -- The Royal Council
-- The Chiapanecs -- The Pipiles -- Nations of Nicaragua --
The Maya Priesthood -- Plebeian Classes -- Slaves -- Tenure
of Lands -- Inheritance of Property -- Taxation -- Debtors
and Creditor -- Laws and the Administration of Justice 630

CHAPTER XXI.
EDUCATION AND FAMILY MATTERS AMONG THE MAYAS.

Education of Youth -- Public Schools of Guatemala --
Branches of Study in Yucatan -- Marrying-Age -- Degrees of
Consanguinity allowed in Marriage -- Preliminaries of
Marriage -- Marriage Ceremonies -- The Custom of the Droit
du Seigneur in Nicaragua -- Widows -- Monogamy --
Concubinage -- Divorce -- Laws Concerning Adultery --
Fornication -- Rape -- Prostitution -- Unnatural Crimes --
Desire for Children -- Childbirth Ceremonies -- Rite of
Circumcision -- Manner of Naming Children -- Baptismal
Ceremonies 661

CHAPTER XXII.
FEASTS AND AMUSEMENTS OF THE MAYAS.

Special Observances -- Fixed Feasts -- Sacrifice of Slaves
-- Monthly Feasts of the Yucatecs -- Renewal of the Idols --
Feast of the Chacs -- Hunting Festival -- The Tuppkak --
Feast of the Cacao-Planters -- War Feast -- The Maya New
Year's Day -- Feasts of the Hunters, Fishers, and Apiarists
-- Ceremonies in honor of Cukulcan -- Feast of the Month of
Mol -- Feasts of the Years Kan, Muluc, Ix, and Cauac --
Yucatec Sacrifices -- The Pit of Chichen -- Sacrifices of
the Pipiles -- Feast of Victory -- Feasts and Sacrifices in
Nicaragua -- Banquets -- Dances -- Musical Instruments --
Games 687

CHAPTER XXIII.
FOOD, DRESS, COMMERCE, AND WAR CUSTOMS OF THE MAYAS.

Introduction of Agriculture -- Quiché Tradition of the
Discovery of Maize -- Maize Culture -- Superstitions of
Farmers -- Hunting and Fishing -- Domestic Animals, Fowl,
and Bees -- Preservation and Cooking of Food -- Meals --
Drinks and Drinking -- Habits -- Cannibalism -- Dress of the
Mayas -- Maxtlis, Mantles, and Sandals -- Dress of Kings and
Priests -- Women's Dress -- Hair and Beard -- Personal
Decoration -- Head-Flattening, Perforation, Tattooing, and
Painting -- Personal Habits -- Commerce -- Currency --
Markets -- Superstitions of Travelers -- Canoes and Balsas
-- War -- Military Leaders -- Insignia -- Armor -- Weapons
-- Fortifications -- Battles -- Treatment of Captives 715

CHAPTER XXIV.
MAYA ARTS, CALENDAR, AND HIEROGLYPHICS.

Scarcity of Information -- Use of Metals -- Gold and
Precious Stones -- Implements of Stone -- Sculpture --
Pottery -- Manufacture of Cloth -- Dyeing -- System of
Numeration -- Maya Calendar in Yucatan -- Days, Weeks,
Months, and Years -- Indictions and Katunes -- Perez' System
of Ahau Katunes -- Statements of Landa and Cogolludo --
Intercalary Days and Years -- Days and Months in Guatemala,
Chiapas, and Soconusco -- Maya Hieroglyphic System --
Testimony of Early Writers on the Use of Picture-Writing --
Destruction of Documents -- Specimens which have Survived --
The Dresden Codex -- Manuscript Troano -- Tablets of
Palenque, Copan, and Yucatan -- Bishop Landa's Key --
Brasseur de Bourbourg's Interpretation 748

CHAPTER XXV.
BUILDINGS, MEDICINE, BURIAL, PHYSICAL PECULIARITIES, AND
CHARACTER OF THE MAYAS.

Scanty Information given by the Early Voyagers -- Private
Houses of the Mayas -- Interior Arrangement, Decoration, and
Furniture -- Maya Cities -- Description of Utatlan --
Patinamit, the Cakchiquel Capital -- Cities of Nicaragua --
Maya Roads -- Temples at Chichen Itza and Cozumel -- Temples
of Nicaragua and Guatemala -- Diseases of the Mayas --
Medicines used -- Treatment of the Sick -- Propitiatory
Offerings and Vows -- Superstitions -- Dreams -- Omens --
Witchcraft -- Snake-Charmers -- Funeral Rites and Ceremonies
-- Physical Peculiarities -- Character 783

THE NATIVE RACES
OF THE
PACIFIC STATES.
CIVILIZED NATIONS.