Catalog Archive
Auction 132, Lot 326

"Roue Chronologique des Mexiquains",

Subject: Mexico

Period: 1747 (circa)

Publication: Prevost's Histoire generale des voyages

Color: Black & White

Size:
10 x 10 inches
25.4 x 25.4 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This is a fine engraving of an Aztec calendar from Pre-Columbian Mexico. The Aztecs used both a 365-day calendar and a 260-day ritual calendar or almanac that was used for divination purposes. The 365-day calendar was divided into 18 months of 20 days each, plus 5 'nameless' days at the end of the year. In the 260-day cycle, 20 day names pair with 13 day numbers.

References:

Condition: B+

Minor toning along centerfold with a few light foxing spots.

Estimate: $100 - $140

Sold for: $75

Closed on 6/2/2010

Archived