The Aztec civilization, thriving in Mesoamerica before European arrival, developed a unique and intricate relationship with the animal kingdom. Unlike Old World civilizations that frequently relied on large domesticated animals for labor or transport, the Aztecs integrated animals into their society in diverse ways. Animals were integral to daily sustenance, deeply embedded in spiritual beliefs, and played a significant role in their economy.
Animals for Sustenance and Utility
The Aztecs utilized animals extensively for both food and practical purposes, sustaining their large population through a combination of domestication and hunting. Two primary domesticated animals were the turkey, known as huexolotl, and the hairless dog, itzcuintli or Xoloitzcuintli. Turkeys provided both meat and eggs, serving as a consistent food source, while dogs were raised for meat, especially for feasts, and also acted as companions.
Beyond domesticated species, a wide array of wild animals supplemented the Aztec diet. Hunters pursued deer, boars, and various birds, including migratory ducks, quails, and even eagles. Aquatic life from Lake Texcoco and coastal regions provided fish, amphibians like axolotls, frogs, and tadpoles, along with crayfish and mollusks. Insects such as grasshoppers, maguey worms, and ant larvae were also consumed. Animal parts were repurposed for practical applications, with feathers used for clothing and tools, and bones for various implements, demonstrating a comprehensive use of available resources.
Animals in Belief Systems
Animals held profound symbolic and religious significance within Aztec culture, often revered as manifestations of divine power or cosmic forces. Many deities were associated with specific animals or appeared in animal forms, reflecting a deep connection between the natural and spiritual worlds.
The jaguar, for instance, symbolized power, the night, and the earth, and was closely linked to the god Tezcatlipoca. Elite warriors, known as Jaguar Knights, adopted the jaguar as their emblem, though they typically wore feather-covered costumes with jaguar motifs rather than actual pelts into battle. The eagle represented the sun, war, and the sky, and was associated with Huitzilopochtli, the patron god of the Mexica. The founding myth of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, involved an eagle perched on a cactus with a serpent.
The feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl, was a revered deity embodying fertility, knowledge, and the duality of earth and sky. Hummingbirds were also significant, linked to Huitzilopochtli and symbolizing warriors and rebirth. Other animals, such as the armadillo, represented fertility and abundance, while frogs symbolized renewal and joy, often associated with the Earth Mother goddess Tlaltecuhtli.
Animal sacrifice was a sacred practice, performed to appease deities and maintain cosmic balance. Offerings at sites like the Templo Mayor included a wide variety of animals, from jaguars, pumas, and wolves to fish, birds like quail, and even insects such as crickets and butterflies.
Animals in Trade and Tribute
Animals and animal products played a significant economic role within the Aztec Empire, acquired through extensive trade networks and tribute. Exotic feathers were among the most highly prized commodities. Feathers from birds such as quetzals, hummingbirds, macaws, and spoonbills were particularly sought after. These vibrant feathers were used to create elaborate headdresses, costumes, and ritual attire for the nobility and elite warriors, signifying status and prestige.
Jaguar pelts were another valuable item, often demanded as tribute from conquered regions. While not typically worn into battle by Jaguar Knights, these pelts served as coverings for noble chairs and were prized for their perceived magical properties. Live animals, including those from remote tropical rainforests like jaguars and crocodiles, were also imported to Tenochtitlan for ritual offerings.
The acquisition of these diverse animal commodities was essential for the Aztec economy, which relied on agricultural goods, trade, and tribute. Professional merchants, known as pochteca, traveled long distances to obtain luxury items like rare feathers and pelts. Due to the absence of large pack animals like horses or oxen, all goods, including animal products, were transported by human porters.