The Aztecs of Mexico had a varied diet that ranged from simple vegetables and a few domesticated animals to the consumption of human flesh. There was also the ingestion of many different hallucinogenic plants and herbs. Most of the plants and herbs eaten for this purpose and, more importantly, the act of cannibalism were practiced in conjunction with religious and spiritual ceremonies. All human sacrifice had a specific ritual with it and a specific way to be done. If this ritual was not done properly and by the correct people then it was believed that it would anger the gods. Chocolate played a large role as well in Aztec religion and culture. Also, there were some drinks that were consumed for ritual.
Basic Staples of the Aztec Diet
The basic staple of the Aztec diet was corn or maize. Most commonly maize was ground up to make flour for tortillas. However, maize was not the only staple of the Aztec diet. They ate a variety of beans and squash. Many chili peppers were consumed ranging in variety from large to small and spicy to mild. Aztec cuisine does not contain much meat, but they did domesticate turkeys, ducks, and dogs. Also, they cultivated a form of algae called tecuitlatl that they used to make breads and foods similar to cheese. However, they did hunt and fish for a small variety of animals including deer and rabbits. Lastly, they domesticated the honey bee.
The Aztecs and Chocolate
Chocolate played a large role for the Aztecs. The cocoa bean was not just used in food, it was also used as a form of currency. There is a drink that is still consumed today called atole. Another chocolate drink that was consumed was called itzpacalatl. This drink was used when a sacrifice became sad and it supposedly made them forget all about it and go happily into the sacrifice. Itzpacalatl is a mixture of the water used to clean the blood off the sacrificial blade and chocolate.
Hallucinogenic Plants as Used by the Aztecs
Many hallucinogenic plants and herbs were consumed the most widely known being peyote which is derived from a cactus plant. For consumption the crown is sliced off and dried, at this point it is known as a mescal button. They would then hold this under their tongue until soft. The effects of peyote include visual and tactile hallucinations. It was believed that consuming the plant would allow you to have communication with the gods. The seeds of the morning glory were and still are used for their hallucinogenic properties. Other hallucinogenic plants that were used include, but are not limited to, torna loco, badoh negro, and hierba de la pastora.
Aztecs and Human Sacrifice
Approximately 20,000 human sacrifices were performed every year. The sacrifices themselves were usually captives of war or people given by neighboring states. The sacrifice would be taken to the top of the pyramid and laid down on a table. Priests performing the sacrifice would then cut the chest open and remove the heart. It was believed that the spirit lived in the blood and that the heart was where most of the blood is (this was called the tonalli.) Once the heart was taken the body was thrown down the steps and the limbs were kept and cooked. One theory as to why they practiced cannibalism is that the Aztecs did not have very much meat in their diet and thus needed the additional protein and fat. Another interesting fact is that only the royalty were allowed to practice cannibalism because it was considered to be a delicacy and the hands and feet were used as a snack. The heart was always given to the gods as tribute. Blood sacrifice, however, did not always mean a human sacrifice. Some of the gods were appeased with animal sacrifice and there was also the sacrifice of one's own blood, usually though a cut. It was believed that without the human sacrifice to the god Huitzilopochtli that the sun would stop moving and thus the earth and the Aztec people would perish.
Misconceptions of the Aztec Culture
There are many things about ancient cultures that we do not understand. Most people would believe human sacrifice to be fundamentally wrong, but it was a very large part of the Aztec culture and without it they would have went against their own religious beliefs. It is important to recognize that not all of the religious consumption included cannibalism. They ate the hallucinogenic plants in the belief that that brought them closer to the gods and at times that they were able to communicate with them. It is important to remember, though, that they ate other foods that are completely normal to today's culture. The Aztecs helped to spread the growth of corn throughout the country and the world. Many other vegetables were spread because of the Aztecs, so it bears to question; if the Aztecs had not stuck with their beliefs, where would society be today?
Sources:
“Aztec Food.” Web. 21 Sep 2009.
"Aztec Sacrifice." Web. 21 Sep 2009.
Brecher Edward M., . "The Consumers Report on Illicit Drugs."
LSD and LSD-Like Drugs 1972: n. pag. Web. 21 Sep 2009.
Schultes Richard Evans, . Plants of the Gods : Their Sacred, Healing and Hallucinogenic Powers. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1979. Print.
For more information see Harvesting and Hunting Practices of Native Americans; Diet, Agriculture and Hunting Practices of the Dakota and Inuit; and The Aztecs' Diet, Agriculture and Hunting Practices
Tiffany Chavis - A classically trained chef, Tiffany works extensively with seafood, wild game and traditional American cuisines.
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