Catalog Archive
Auction 179, Lot 352

"Roue Chronologique des Mexiquains / Rad der Tydrekeninge van de Mexicaaners", Bellin/Van Schley

Subject: Aztec Calendar

Period: 1754 (circa)

Publication: Allgemeine Historie der Reisen von Prevost d'Exiles

Color: Black & White

Size:
9.8 x 9.8 inches
24.9 x 24.9 cm
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This is a fine engraving of an Aztec calendar from Pre-Columbian Mexico. The Aztecs used both a 365-day calendar and a 260-day ritual calendar or almanac that was used for divination purposes. The 365-day calendar was divided into 18 months of 20 days each, plus 5 'nameless' days at the end of the year. In the 260-day cycle, 20 day names pair with 13 day numbers. The calendar is surrounded by a snake.

References:

Condition: A

A nice impression on watermarked paper, issued folding with minor marginal soiling.

Estimate: $100 - $130

Sold for: $130

Closed on 9/16/2020

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