Subject
Calendar -- Mexico Books
Best books
Zelia Nuttall
The Fundamental Principles of Old and New World Civilizations A Comparative Research Based on a Study of the Ancient Mexican Religious, Sociological, and Calendrical Systems
"The Fundamental Principles of Old and New World Civilizations" by Zelia Nuttall is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work explores the comparative research of ancient Mexican religious, sociological, and calendrical systems, while examining connections with other early civilizations. Nuttall's study is focused on the origins and significance of symbology, particularly the swastika, and its representation across various cultures, especially in relation to celestial worship and cultural practices. At the start of the publication, Nuttall outlines her scholarly journey, beginning with her initial study of ancient Mexican manuscripts, which unexpectedly led her to broader comparative research of Old World and New World civilizations. She discusses how her investigations revealed striking similarities in the cosmological concepts held by various ancient cultures, particularly emphasizing the connection to pole-star worship and the foundational principles of societal organization rooted in astronomical observations. By establishing a dialogue between the cosmological ideas of the ancient Mexicans and those of cultures in the Old World, Nuttall lays the groundwork for an in-depth exploration of how these interconnected beliefs shaped the civilizations in both hemispheres.
Cyrus Thomas
Notes on Certain Maya and Mexican Manuscripts Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1881-82, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1884, pages 3-66
"Notes on Certain Maya and Mexican Manuscripts" by Cyrus Thomas is a historical and ethnological study written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the examination of various ancient Maya and Mexican manuscripts, focusing on their symbolism and calendrical systems. Thomas analyzes significant plates from the Codex Cortesianus and the Borgian Codex, seeking to bridge connections between the Maya and Mexican cultures through the understanding of their written records. At the start of the text, the author introduces the significance of the "Tableau des Bacab," derived from the Codex Cortesianus, noting its importance for understanding the relationship between Maya and Mexican symbols. He discusses the representation of the gods of the four cardinal points, looking to validate the findings of fellow researchers. Thomas emphasizes the necessity of interpreting the intricate arrangement of characters and symbols found in these manuscripts, which he argues are essential for grasping the broader context of ancient Mesoamerican beliefs and practices. This opening portion sets the stage for a detailed analysis of the complex connections between the interpretative methodologies applied to these historical texts.
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