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MEXICAN SACRIFICE
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MEXICAN SACRIFICE
A Mexican priest displays the beating heart which he has just extracted from the body of a sacrifical victim Date: 16th century
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Media ID 23030634
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Beating Body Displays Extracted Heart Human Mexican Priest Sacrifice Victim
EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting and poignant image captures a pivotal moment in the ancient Mexican sacrificial rituals of the 16th century. The photograph depicts a priest, dressed in traditional attire, holding up the beating heart of a sacrificed victim. The scene unfolds against a backdrop of solemnity and reverence, as the priest carefully presents the organ to onlookers. The Mexican sacrificial practices, rooted in pre-Columbian times, were an integral part of the religious and cultural fabric of the civilization. These rituals were believed to ensure the continuity of life, maintain cosmic balance, and appease the gods. The victims, often chosen based on their social status or age, were believed to embark on a sacred journey to the afterlife. The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century brought about a significant shift in the religious landscape. The Catholic Church, led by the fervent evangelist Hernán Cortés, sought to eradicate these indigenous practices and replace them with Christianity. The image of the Mexican priest displaying the beating heart of a sacrificial victim serves as a poignant reminder of the clash between the old and new religious beliefs. Despite the passage of time and the eradication of these practices, the image continues to evoke a sense of wonder, fascination, and unease. It offers a glimpse into the rich and complex history of Mexican culture and the profound impact of the encounter between the Old and New Worlds.
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