CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTORY

The type and evolution of Mexican religion—The antiquity of Mexican religion—The literature of Mexican religion: I, The native codices; II, The native writings; III, Native art-forms; IV, Writings of the Spanish conquerors of Mexico—The origins of Mexican religion—Evidence of early religion in Mexico—Deification of the elements of growth—Evidences of primitive influences—Fetishtic origin of gods—Animal gods—Growth of the rain-cult—The necessity for human sacrifice—The later elements of Mexican religion—Cultural elements of Mexican religion—The Quetzalcoatl cult—The cult of obsidian—Unity of religious conception throughout Mexico pp. 1–35