Aztecs

Aztecs, An Interpretation
by Inga Clendinnen
Cambridge University Press, 1991
398 pages
ISBN 0-521-48585-1

For any student of religious studies wishing to diversify their base of traditions, or those with a background in the history of the Mexica, Clendinnen's "Aztecs" is a refreshing and insightful perspective of a religious tradition and culture too often forgotten. Her writing style is sophisticated, yet highly accessible and manages to engage the reader while bringing this culture to life. "Aztecs" would be an enjoyable but challenging read for upper-level high school students, and clearly provides a wide enough array of information, without losing depth to be a useful teaching source.

Clendinnen begins the book from the historical perspective, tracing the migration of the Mexica or "Aztec"people, from the north into the Valley of Mexico, and briefly yet clearly illustrates their rise from a small tribe in virtual annexation to an established and often brutal imperial power. Next, she examines the socioeconomic structure of Tenochtitlan. Often these types of sections can drag the life out of the readings, but, in "Aztecs," it adds a vitality to the text and enhances the reader's understanding of the Mexica people as a culture, as well as their place within the pan-Mesoamerican schema. After the social and historical context is established, Clendinnen reaches the central aim of the text: examining the social and religious roles of the people and the function of ritual in Mexica society.

One of the most interesting of the many foci of this work, is the examination of the role of human sacrifice in the tradition. With the most valiant of attempts at objectivity, Clendinnen brilliantly reveals the centrality of this practice to the religious life of the culture, but with painful clarity reveals the precise brutality with which it was exercised. Coupled with the explanation of this particular ritual is an illustrative view of previous attempts to deal with this phenomenon, both conquistador and contemporary.

The book then turns to gender roles with a particular emphasis on femininity (another engaging section) and the function of the Sacred in the Mexica world view. This is the part of "Aztecs" of particular interest to scholar of religion, but also provides crucial insight into the Mexica experience of the world and their interaction with it. Clendinnen manages to transcend any attribution of generic "animism" to the religious world view of this civilization, but instead reveals a truly indigenous view of an all encompassing sacred which isinterlaced and fully engaged with the people and culture as a whole.

"Aztecs" is a truly rich contribution to our understanding of Mexica culture and religiosity. The wayin which Clendinnen interweaves the indigenous perspective with that of the conquistador provides a tension which keeps the reading alive. Couples with the ease of her writing style, this book is a rewarding read which provides an enjoyable educational experience for teacher and student alike.

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