Dogs in Mesoamerica/version 2
- Dogs in Mesoamerica/version 2
Various sorts of dogs are known to have existed in pre-Spanish Mesoamerica, as shown by archaeological and iconographical sources, and the testimonies of the 16th-century Spaniards. In the Central Mexican area, there were three races: the medium-sized furred dog ("itzcuintli"), the medium-sized hairless dog ("xoloitzcuintli"), and the short-legged, furred dog ("tlalchichi"). Apart from other, more obvious functions, dogs were also used for food (10% of all consumed meat in Teotihuacan) and ritual sacrifice.
Ritual
* A dog was often buried together with the deceased, since it was believed to carry the soul of the dead over the underworld river.
* The slime from dog's eyes was used by Aztec priests to see the dead and the gods of the underworld; their blood produced clairvoyance and facilitated communication with heaven.
Mythology
The mythological role of the dog varies.
* According to the Huaxtecs, the first human beings had the dog for a mother.
* According to the Aztecs, a couple which had survived the Deluge was transformed by the gods into dogs for breaking a taboo.
Animal Transformation
In Classic Mayan iconography, a terrifying dog is among the magical transformations of powerful human beings (such as sorcerers).
Calendar
In the Aztec calendar, the 10th day was Itzcuintli '(Common) Dog', corresponding to a Mayan day (Oc, Tz'i, or Elab/Elac) with the same meaning.
References
Raúl Valadez Azúa, "The Pre-Columbian Dog". Voices of Mexico 36 (July-September 1996): 49-53.
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