Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. See 54550-h.htm or 54550-h.zip: (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/54550/54550-h/54550-h.htm) or (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/54550/54550-h.zip) Transcriber’s note: Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). [Illustration: Funerary Urn from a Zapotecan Tomb The cylindrical urn is concealed behind the human figure. The dress of the human figure consists of a cape, apron, and a widespreading headdress. Over the face is worn a mask. Height, 15½ inches.] American Museum of Natural History ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS OF MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA [Illustration: Series logo] by HERBERT J. SPINDEN Formerly Assistant Curator, Department of Anthropology Handbook Series No. 3 Third and Revised Edition New York 1928 Publication of the Anthropological Handbook Fund PREFACE This little book is intended as a general commentary and explanation of the more important phases of the ancient life and arts of the Indians of Mexico and Central America, and especially of their history. The substance of it is drawn from many sources, for the anthropologist must mould together and harmonize the gross results of several sciences. Archæology, ethnology, somatology, and linguistics all make their special contributions and we are only on the threshold of our subject. In the Mexican and Central American field we find the accumulated writings that result from four hundred years of European contact with the Indians and in addition a mass of native documents and monumental inscriptions expressed in several hieroglyphic systems. The general method of this book will be to take up in order the recognized “horizons” of pre-Columbian history, beginning with the earliest of which we have knowledge. In relation to each horizon we will examine the records and discuss the principal developments in arts, beliefs, and social structures. The introductory chapter is designed to put before the reader such facts as may be necessary for a ready understanding of the discussions and explanations that will follow.