Bounds and Description ofTabasco.
The last Countrey belonging toNew SpainisTabasco, bounded on the North by the Northern Ocean, and on the East withJucatan; and however some account it a distinct Province, yet others make no mention of it, letting it pass for that part ofJucatanwhich lies about the CityTabasco, from which it seems to be denominated: The Ground level and without Mountains, hath many great Woods of Cedar-Trees,Brasile, and others. Here are also many goodIndianFruits, as theManmeyes,Zapotes,Aguacates, andGuajabos. For three Moneths they have continually dry Weather, the rest of the year being for the most part rainy; which vicissitude of Moisture and Heat makes the Countrey exceeding fruitful, insomuch that they have three or four Harvests ofMaizin a year.
Vines, Figs, Lemmons, Oranges, Rice, Barley, and all sorts of Garden-Herbs grow here also in great plenty.
The Pools, Brooks and Lakes, abound likewise with all manner of Fish: and for Sea-Fish, besides theTortugas, andYguanras, theManate, orSea-Cow, is of principal note.
The FishManate.
This Fish is terrible to behold, having a Head like an Ox, little Eyes, two Feet near the Head in stead of Fins, two round Holes in stead of Ears, round bones like Balls in its Brains, a short Tail, and bristly Skin: The Females have two Dugs, with which they suckle their Young.
Birds.
Peacocks, Pheasants, Parrots, Quales, Hens, Pigeons, with several sorts of Birds altogether unknown to theEuropeans, are here in great abundance.
Beasts.
The Woods also abound with Tygers and Lyons, which do no little hurt to the Inhabitants, Wild Hogs, Deer, and Rabbets, are likewise here in great plenty; and Turtles of an exceeding bigness: Likewise Apes, Polecats, and Squerrils, which do very much hurt to the Fruit-Trees, especially theCacao. TheMusticho’s are a great annoyance to the People, and disturb their rest at Night.
Languages of the Natives.
Since theSpaniardshave conquer’dTabasco, they have forc’d the Inhabitants to observe their Laws and Customs. They speak three sorts of Languages, amongst which that most us’d, call’dChontal, is copious of Words. The second,Zoques, is spoken on the Mountains which divideChiapaandTabasco. TheMexicanTongue was first brought thither by the Garrisons whichMuteczumaplac’d there in the FortsZimatlanandXicalango, and is the most spoken, in regard it hath not onely its Accents, but is also of great use, partly because it is understood in most places ofAmerica, and partly because the Priests have made Songs in that Tongue, with which theTabascansare much delighted.
The chief CityNostra Sennora de la Vittoria, already mention’d inJucatan, was so call’d byFerdinand Cortesius, from the great Victory which he obtain’d over the Indians when he march’d first towardsMexico.
Thus far of the Description of the several Parts and Divisions ofNew Spain, differingin Customs and Languages, though most of them have some affinity with theMexicans, who by force of Arms had made a way to the supream Empire. All of them acknowledge a Creator, but have no Name to express the WordGod. But besides the Creator of the World they have made to themselves Gods of many other Creatures; amongst which are the Sun, Moon, Stars, and the Manes of the Deceased, the care of whose Burial they committed to the Priests, which was sometimes in the Fields, sometimes in their Houses; others carried their dead Bodies to the Mountains, some buried them in Temples; and as they either burnt or buried the Body, so they buried or burnt their Clothes and Riches with them, especially of Persons of Quality, whilst those that accompanied the Corps sung a mournful Song; after which they Feasted. The Heirs of Noble-men that had been at the Funeral put themselves all into Mourning. A Person, after he is dead, is stretch’d out upon the Floor, where he lies till all his Friends come to Present and Complement him, as if living: But at the death of an eminent Person they not onely bring him Presents, but proffer him his Slaves, Steward, Butlers, Dwarfs, and Houshold Priest, (all which a Lord must keep) that they may serve him in the other World. The Priests which perform’d the Funeral Ceremonies, walk’d before the Corps with the Image of the Idol which the Deceased had appropriated to himself, (for every Lord, according to the greatness of his Quality, bore the Name and Apparel of some Idol or another;) other Priests beat on Drums, play’d on Pipes and singing Dirges, perfum’d the Way with Myrrh, whilest the Servants and Relations made a doleful cry; a Herauld also carried the Coat of Arms and Trophies of the Deceased, artificially painted on Cloth; at last they pyl’d sweet Wood about the Corps, which being lighted, and the Body burnt to Ashes, a Priest in a frightful Dress, Vizarded with a gaping Mouth, long Teeth, and fiery Eyes, came on a sudden, and with a long Stick stirr’d the Ashes about, and gathering it in an Urn, buried the same with the fore-mention’d things.
The Idols inNew Spainare represented in terrible Figures, to which they Offer humane Sacrifices.
The Priests, divided into higher or lower Orders, acknowledge a supream Head, which they callPapas. Each Idol had a peculiar sort of Priests: Those that serv’dViztlipuzli, obtain’d their Places by Inheritance; but others were chose by the Commonalty, unless they had been bred Priests from their Infancy.
Cloysters dedicated to the ancientMexicanReligion.
TheMexicanCloysters in the time ofHeathenismwere generally built in the chiefest Temples, in a greatPiazza, or square Court, where for the most part two Monastical Houses stood one against another, the one inhabited by a Fraternity of Recluses, and the other by a Sisterhood; which last being Maids of twelve or thirteen years of age, call’dThe Penitential Daughters, swept the Temple, prepar’d Meat for the Idols and Priests, which was plentifully supply’d from the Alms and Offerings that were daily brought in to the Priests, consisting of little Cakes made like Hands and Feet, besides other strange Meats, which being set before the Idols, was soon after taken away again, and eaten up by the Priests: They were under a Governess, who employ’d them in making Embroideries to adorn the Temple; and sometimes rose up with the Priests at Mid-night, and play’d on Pipes, perfum’d the Temple, and scourg’d themselves till the Blood ran down their Backs, besmearing their Faces therewith, and leaving it on a whole year; then going into a large Chamber, where a Cistern stood for that purpose, they wash’d it off again; after which, if they committed the least uncleanness, they were put to a most miserable Death; which was judg’d upon seeing a Rat run through the Nuns Chamber, or a Batt flying by it, or finding any piece of Cloth gnaw’n by a Mouse or Rat; for they suppose that the fore-mention’d Creatures dare not come into a hallow’d place, unless defil’d. In this recluse manner they were onely confin’d to live a year, which being expir’d, they had free leave to Marry.
The House opposite to the Nuns in the same square place of the Temple, was inhabited by Youths of eighteen and twenty years of age, whose Heads were shaven like Monks, and pleited Tufts hung from the Crown down to their Backs; they liv’d also mean and chaste, kept the Priests Clothes and Perfuming-Vessels, carried Wood for Offerings, and kept always burning Lamps beforeViztlipuztli’s Altar. Amongst them were also Boys of a less Age, whose Office was to gather Flowers and Herbs to strow the Temple with, to sharpen the Priests Lances, which they Let themselves Blood with every Night in the Legs, and carry them Water. These Youths, Cloth’d in Nets, fell on their Faces on the Ground when they met with a Woman, and went four and four, or six and six together to beg Alms, and by turns watch’d the fore-mention’d Fire; in the Morning they drew Blood out of their Thighs, with which they anointed their Temples down to their Ears, and when the Blood look’d black, wash’d it off again in a consecrated Bath, which their strict and severe Life endur’d a whole Year.
MexicanReligion abhorr’d by the neighboring People.
The particular Religion of theMexicans, compos’d of cruel slaughters and butcheries of Men, reign’d a long time against the minds of the otherIndiansthat were under their Dominion, every one beginning more to abhor the cruel flaying of living People, and tearing out the Hearts of Men for Offerings; and the rather, because they were forc’d to fetch them out of their Enemies Countrey with the hazard of their own Lives, insomuch that they were ready long before to have embrac’d another Doctrine, if any other Teacher had but appear’d amongst them; which was the chief reason why they so easily receiv’d theRomanReligion: for whenCortesiushad conquer’d the CityMexico, theMechoacanAgents entreated him to send them Teachers to prescribe them Laws, according to which they might live, because their Idolatry, which had long oppress’d them, was not to be suffer’d any longer, because of the Cruelties which were requir’d of them in the performance thereof.
Their Processions.
Their Processions were stately, and after this manner: The chiefest Nuns raising a Paste ofBledoi-Seed and parchedMaiz, kneaded it with Honey, of which they made an Idol resembling their DeityViztipuztli, across whose Nose and Forehead they drew a blue Stroke; his Head they adorn’d with a Plume of Feathers, and in the left Hand plac’d a round Box, in the right a crooked Staff like a Serpent, and Wings behind on his Shoulders; at the appointed Feast-day the Nuns meet before Sun-rising, in new white Apparel, with Garlands ofMaizabout their Heads and Necks, which hung down below the left Shoulder, their Faces painted with several colours, about their Arms hung Parrots Feathers from their Elbows down to their Hands: Thus adorn’d, they carried the kneaded Idol to a Court, where the Youths that inhabited a Cloyster in the same Temple, fetching the Idols blue Throne, with great Reverence set it down at the lower Step of the Temple, at which the People threw Dust on their Heads; which was no sooner done, but the Boys ran with all speed to the MountainChapultepec, a League fromMexico, whither the Multitude following them in manner of Procession, made all short Prayers and Offerings there; from thence hastening into the Champain FieldsAtlacuavaya, they perform’d the like Service as before; which done, they went to the VillageCuyoacan, a League farther; from whence they came back in all haste with their Idol intoMexico: Wherefore this Processioning for its expedition was call’dIpaina Viztliputli. The Idol being brought into the Temple, was by four Cords made fast to his Throne, hoised up to the Cieling with the noise of Drums and Trumpets, whilst the fore-mention’d Youths strow’d the Temple both within and without full of Roses; after which the Nuns gave the Boys the resemblances of Bones made of the same Dough with the Idol, with which they were to cover the Floor of the Chappel; then appear’d the Temple-Priests, with Scarfs about their Bodies, Garlands on their Heads, and Strings with Flowers about their Necks, each going in order according to his quality to the place where the Bones lay; which being Consecrated with Songs and Dances, were religiously worshipp’d for Bones of the Idol; after which six of the Priests went down to the StoneQuauxicalli, on which the Prisoners lying upon their Backs, had their Hearts pull’d out; which being finish’d, the Maids and Boys before-mention’d went to meet one another, Dancing to the sound of Pipes, Drums and Songs; which their nearest Relations answering, Danc’d round about them, whither the whole City and Countrey People all about came flocking in great numbers.
During this high Feast none, upon great Penalties, durst eat any other Food but the Cakes made of the same Dough of which the Idol was made; neither were they permitted, though Children, to drink till the Afternoon.
Lastly, the Priest climb’d up to a Chappel strow’d with Roses, in which the Idol sitting, they disrob’d him, broke his holy Arms and Legs into little pieces, which they distributed amongst the common People, who receiv’d them with great Reverence, and with tears in their Eyes, imagining they eat the Body of their God; for which honour every one paid a tenth part of the Charge which had been spent in this high Feast. Then a Priest admonish’d them how they should lead their Lives, since they were united with their God; which ended, they all went to their several Habitations in a wonderful good order from the Temple.
Ancient Attire of theMexicans.
Concerning theMexicansApparel, it is a sufficient testimony, that they are no way of the same original with the several barbarous Nations, that run up and down naked inNew Spain: for the Inhabitants ofMexicowent antiently Cloth’d in Cotton: On their Heads they wore a high Plume of red Feathers; about their Necks, over their Shoulders, Breast and Back, a kind of largeThoraxof Featherscuriously pleited; each Arm adorn’d with Armlets, and their Middles girt with broad white Girdles full of red Streaks; in stead of Garters they wore Laces of Feathers, as also a little above their Ancles. Their Priests besmear’d all their Bodies, especially the Head, with an Ointment, whose special vertue was to make their Hair grow exceeding long, which they braided with broad Cotton Strings; they also smutch’d themselves with a kind of blacking Stuff; when they went to make Offerings to their Idol in Caves, Woods, or on high Mountains, they bedawb’d themselves with an Ointment made of Spiders, Salamanders, Adders, Scorpions and Toads, which the Temple-Boys caught for them in great abundance. This Ointment they made with many Circumstances; for having roasted the fore-mention’d Vermine on the Hearth of the perpetual Fire beforeViztlipuztli’s Altar, and stamp’d the same in a Mortar with Tobacco, living Scorpions, the SeedOloluchqui, (to which they ascrib’d a power of representing Visions) hairy Worms, and Soot, they kneaded all together, put the Ointment in Pots, and plac’d it before the Idol, thenceforth reputing it a sanctifi’d Medicine, that would prove good against all manner of Diseases; wherefore the Priests being always sent for to the Sick in stead of Doctors, perfum’d the Patient, shav’d his Hair, hung Snakes Bones about his Neck, and order’d him at a certain Hour to bathe himself, and in the Night to watch before a Fire-hearth, and to eat no Bread but what had been Offer’d to their Idol. Moreover, the said Ointment is thought to have another power,viz.to make those that anointed themselves with the same, valiant and strong; which the common People believ’d, because the Priests would go through Woods and Wildernesses that abounded with ravenous Beasts.
TheseHeathensalso seem’d to have something of Circumcision and Baptism; for they not onely cut off a piece of the Infant’s Ears and privy Members, which they Offer’d to their Idols, but also wash’d them as soon as they came into the World, putting into their Hands such Tools as were of use in their Fathers Profession.
Their Nuptial Solemnities.
Their Marriages also were celebrated with great solemnity: The Priest having ask’d the Bride and Bridegroom, If they would joyn together in Matrimony? ifthey both consented, he ty’d the Brides Scarf, and Bridegrooms Coat together, and so accompanying them home, led them nine times about the Fire-hearth: If the Bride had no Impediments, then the Bridegroom made Presents to her Father and Mother, Offerings to the Gods, and a brave Dinner to the nearest Relations; after which an Inventory was drawn of what each of them had brought, that upon their being Divorc’d, (which was very common amongst theMexicans) each might have his share; and if they had Children, the Man was to keep the Sons, and the Woman the Daughters; nor were they permitted, on pain of death, being once parted, to joyn together again.
The FeastTexcoalt.
On the ninteenth of May they kept the FeastTexcoalt, Consecrated to the IdolTezcatlipuca, before whom they Offer’d a Slave, which was done after this manner: Towards the Evening the Multitude coming into the Temple, the Priests pulling off the Idols old, put on new Apparel, hung him full of Precious Stones and Armlets, set Plumes of Feathers on his Head; which done, the Curtains behind which he stood, were drawn, and a Priest Cloth’d exactly like the Idol coming forth, turn’d himself round, blow’d a kind of Trumpet towards the four Winds, and ate Earth, which all the People imitated: whereof those which had committed any hainous Offence, Offer’d Incense to the Idol, and weeping, begg’d forgiveness of their Sins. Those that were Soldiers besought him to grant them store of Prisoners, and strength to conquer their Enemies; for which they would return him thanks with Offer’d Prisoners.
This Feast ofTexcoaltlasting ten days, ended on the twenty ninth ofMaywith peculiar Ceremonies; for in the Morning a company of Priests, black all over, carried on their Shoulders a large Chair of State richly adorn’d; in which sat their IdolTezcatlipuca, and Priests with long pleited Hair, and Clad in the same Apparel with the Idol, which they set down at the Foot of a pair of Stairs which led up to a Chappel; whither the attendant Youths and Virgins came and spread Carpets before it, and green Boughs ofManghey; after which two Priests carried the Idol into a spacious Court in the Temple, several others walking before, each with a perfuming Vessel; when they threw their Perfumes on the Consecrated Hearth, they held their Hands towards the Idol, desiring him that he would send their Prayers to Heaven: Next follow’d the Multitude, who scourg’d themselves till the Blood ran down from their Backs. So soon as the Procession was ended, the representedTezcatlipucawas hoised up to the Cieling, and abundance of Flowers strow’d before the Altar; which done, every one went home to Dinner, whilst the Youths and Virgins adorn’d the Idol, and plac’d Meat before him: Lastly, the Votaresses came two and two with Baskets of Bread, and Dishes of Meat: their Governess in a white Sur-Coat over a red Vest, with Wings on her Shoulders, and broad Girts, at which hungCalabashesfill’d with holy Reliques and Flowers: Moreover, she conducted the Votaresses to the Steps of the Altar on which the Idol sat; where having eaten Bread they came back, and the Temple-Servants went in their places, and carried the Meat which stood on the Altar to the Priests Cells, who by that time were to have Fasted five days: this done, the People came all to the Temple again, to be present at the end of the Feast: then a Slave, who had represented the Idol a whole year, appear’d, to whom everyone having shew’d Reverence, the chief Priest cutting open his Breast, tore the Slave’s Heart reaking out of his Body, and shew’d it to the Sun; then the Consecrated Youths and Maids made a great noise with Drumming, Singing and Dancing about the Body till Sun-set; after which the Virgins going up to the upper Chappel, plac’d Bread and Fruit, made up like dead Mens Bones and Heads, before the Idol,where, after it had stood a little while, the Servants went up and fetch’d it down, whilst the Youths and Maids went to their several Cloysters.
Much after the same manner, and with such like brutish Ceremonies, not worth mentioning, was also celebrated the Feast ofQuetzatcoalt.
In the inner part of the Temple stood a Stage, on which upon Festival Days the People Acted Drolls; in which they sometimes feign’d themselves deaf, blind, lame, and the like, and begg’d to be cur’d of their Idols; sometimes were dress’d like Serpents, Adders, Crocodiles, or other ravenous Beasts, in which postures they fought one with another.
Computation of Time amongst theMexicans.
Those Feasts were all kept on certain times, according to the Mexican Almanack, in which the Year was divided into eight Moneths, and each Moneth into forty five Days, which together made three hundred and sixty: The five remaining Days, to compleat the Year, they kept apart, on which all Affairs whatsoever were laid aside, as Selling, Buying, Offerings,&c.nothing else being thought on but Feasting one another for the passing away of the time. The first Day of their Year was on the twenty sixth ofFebruary. Each Moneth had a peculiar Name and Sign. Moreover, they divided the Year into four parts by as many Representations,viz.a House, a Rabbet, a Cane, and a Flint to strike Fire with; and Figur’d it out by a Wheel with four Spikes jutting out round about it, colour’d green, red, blue, and yellow, and in the middle thereof a Sun; each Spike signifi’d thirteen years, wherefore it had thirteen Divisions, distinguish’d by the four fore-mention’d Representations: At each Division of the Wheel they set down what remarkable things should happen that year by certain Characters; as, a Man in red Apparel typifi’d that Year whenFerdinand Cortesius, clad in Red, conquer’dMexico. When the Wheel was fill’d with fifty two years Prognostication, then on the last Night they broke all their Pots and Vessels in pieces, and blew out their Candles, because they believ’d, that at the end of the said fifty two years the World would be at an end, and therefore they had no need of Housholdstuff, or ought else: But so soon as the Day appear’d again, they play’d on Pipes, Trumpets, and Drums, rejoycing that God had deferr’d the destruction of the World fifty two years longer; then they bought new Utensils and Candles, and made solemn Processions.
Art of Writing.
Concerning the Art of Writing amongst the Inhabitants ofNew Spain,Joseph Acostatells us, That some old Books, containing ancient Passages, the Course of the Heavens, nature of Beasts and Plants, were found inJucatan, according to the Relation of a LearnedIndian, but were all burnt by Command of aSpanishBishop, because he suppos’d them to be full of Matter touching the Black Art. Their Histories they describ’d with the Representations of the Things. Rhetorick and Poetry the Children were taught by Rote in the Schools, so that they never forgot what they had once learnt; But at present they useSpanishLetters or Characters.
Ancient Government.
Moreover, the Government ofMexicohath ever been kept in a good Order, the King’s Power being exactly limited, that nothing might be lost of the common Priviledges. The fourth KingIcoathmade Earls, who next to the Lords ofTezcucoandTacuba, had right to the Crown; which was like a Mitre turn’d up behind, and rising before with a Point. According as they increas’d in Power, so they advanc’d in Royal Dignity; in whichMuteczumathe Second exceeded all others: And to manifest his splendor, his House for all sorts of Creatures, and many other things, might serve for a sufficient testimony: for in it he kept Sea-Fish in salt Water, River-Fish in fresh Water, and all manner of Beasts in peculiar places: The Birds were kept in great Aviaries, surrounded with golden Rails. Next to the Kings follow’d four Earls call’dAtlacohecalcatl, which signifiesPrinces of the Throne Launces, aWeapon much us’d amongst theMexicans. The next in Degree were theTlacatecatl, orMan-cleavers;Esauahuacatl, orBlood-shedders;Tsallancalqui, orLords of Blackness, without all which the King durst not take any Business in hand. High and lesser Courts of Judicatory, where Matters of Life and Death were try’d, were in most Cities; and other Courts also for petty Quarrels, Controversies, and the like. The Collectors brought their Revenues to the Court every Moneth. The chief thing which preferr’d both Rich and Poor to Places of Honor, consisted in Valour and heroick Exploits. Their Arms were chiefly sharp pieces of Flint made fast to a Stick, with which they could at one Blow chop off a Horses Head. They also us’d Pikes, Clubs, and Lances, and sometimes Slings: For defensive Armour, they had Helmets and Shields, made of Tygers, Leopards, and Lyons Skins. They always fell upon their Enemies unawares, their Design being generally to take Prisoners rather than to kill them; for they reserv’d them for Offerings to their Idols.Muteczumamade several Commanders over his Armies, giving them a Power one above the other, which were to be distinguish’d by several Marks; for the chiefest ty’d the Hair on the top of their Heads with a red String, betwixt which stuck a brave Plume of Feathers; at the end whereof hung as many Tassels as they had done noble Exploits. To this Order belong’d also the King, who wore one of the same Marks, with which KingMuteczumaand his Son stand Carv’d on a Rock. TheAyulas, orThe Order of the Eagle, consisted of valiant Men. TheGrey Knightswere of less Quality, and wore Collars which reach’d up to their Ears, the lower part of their Body being naked. Persons of greater Dignity, when going to the War, were Arm’d from Head to Foot: Which Order was also permitted to wear Cotton-Clothes, and Shoes richly embroider’d with Gold and Silver; they us’d painted Vessels, and had Lodgings provided for them at Court.
Their Education of Youth.
Moreover, it is worthy of observation, what great care theMexicanstook in the bringing up of their Children; to which purpose they had Schools near to their Temples, in which Youth was taught to Sing, Dance, Morality, Obedience, and also Martial Discipline. Children of noble Extract had Learned Men for their Tutors. Their Punishments for Transgressions were very severe, the Masters forcing their Scholars to Fast and Watch, carry great Burthens of Provisions to the Army, and be in the midst of Engagements. Others, whose Fancy led them to a holy Life, willingly embrac’d the Services of the Temple.
Their manner of Dancing.
Their manner of Dancing inNew Spainwas very strange and differing; they us’d pretty Instruments, and Songs which contain’d antique Passages, according to the Times; they in their Motions imitated Shepherds, Fisher-men, Plowmen, Hunters, and the like: Sometimes they Danc’d inMascarades, with a Man on their Shoulders, making the same Motion with his Hands in the Air, as the other with his Feet on the Ground. They had also Tumblers and Dancers on the Ropes, which shew’d strange Tricks on an erected Pole. But above all Dances, theMitoteswas the chief, which was generally Danc’d in the King’s Palace, or inner Court of the Temple; in the middle of which they plac’d a great Drum and a hollow Tub on a large Image; round about which the most eminent Persons made a Ring, Sang sweetly, and Danc’d leisurely, when on a sudden two that are more nimble, with divers Motions came into the midst of them, and Danc’d exactly after the sound of the Drum and hollow Tub, which was seconded with the noise of Flutes and Pipes.