CannibalismAztec Cannibalism is a rather interesting and to us perhaps even more bizarre part of the Aztec sacrifices that occurred in Aztec society. Harner argues in his article "The Ecological Basis for Aztec Sacrifice," that the dense populations of the Valley of Mexico lead to a lack of proteins (and thus protein deficiency), which lead to human cannibalism being established for sacrificial victims (Harner 1977). But there has been much debate on the issue, and one conclusion counters the argument, stressing that the Aztec diet delivered plenty of good quality protein (Kiple 2000:1249). And in addition there is evidence showing that Aztecs suffered from gout, a condition associated with too much protein (Ortiz de Montellano 1990). This is a topic with various points being made from both sides, although it appears many scholars believe cannibalism was practiced in general for idealogical reasons, for the above reason and others. It is an issue where both sides should be examined and your own conclusions formed.
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Food TributeWhen looking through the Codex Mendoza tribute pages, they feature a number of tribute  demands in the form of types of food. These include bins of grain (maize) in many instances, as well as bins full of bean, sage and purslane seed. Also quite common were jars of honey (which was derived from the Maguey according to a Spanish Scribe) Codex Mendoza (Codex Mendoza). While unclear if many other food goods were also paid in tribute, it shows the apparent importance of these goods (whether for need or desirability). |