What Is The Significance Of The Mixtec Codex Codex Selden In Understanding The Pre-Hispanic Politics Of Oaxaca, Particularly In Relation To The Tepuztecatl Deity And Its Association With The Elite Class Of The Mixtec City-state Of Achiutla?

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The Codex Selden, a Mixtec manuscript, holds significant importance in understanding the pre-Hispanic politics of Oaxaca, particularly through its depiction of the deity Tepuztecatl and the elite class of Achiutla. Here's a structured summary of its significance:

  1. Codex Selden Overview:

    • The Codex Selden, also known as Codex Añute, is a post-conquest Mixtec manuscript that preserves pre-Columbian knowledge. It functions as a ritual calendar, detailing genealogies, historical events, and ceremonies.

  2. Mixtec Society and Achiutla:

    • The Mixtecs were a highly stratified society with powerful elites ruling city-states like Achiutla. These elites used religious and divine associations to legitimize their authority.

  3. Tepuztecatl's Role:

    • Tepuztecatl, a deity associated with pulque (a traditional alcoholic beverage), was likely linked to fertility and rituals. In the Mixtec context, this deity may have been used to reinforce the elite's divine right to rule.

  4. Religious and Political Legitimacy:

    • The codex probably depicts Tepuztecatl alongside Achiutla's rulers in rituals and ceremonies, such as coronations, to emphasize their divine ordination. This association legitimized the elite's power and connected their rule to both mythology and history.

  5. Ceremonial and Ritual Practices:

    • The codex may record the elite's interactions with Tepuztecatl through offerings, sacrifices, and other rituals, essential for maintaining societal balance and prosperity.

  6. Political Structure and Influence:

    • As a city-state, Achiutla's elite might have used Tepuztecatl to assert influence over other regions, reflecting the competitive and allied nature of Mixtec politics.

  7. Mythological and Historical Context:

    • The codex blends mythology and history, possibly presenting Tepuztecatl as both a protector and ancestor, grounding the elite's authority in divine and historical continuity.

  8. Cultural and Religious Integration:

    • Tepuztecatl's association with agriculture or fertility could have allowed elites to control resources and justify actions, integrating religious and political authority.

  9. Cross-Cultural Parallels:

    • Comparisons with other Mesoamerican deities provide context on Tepuztecatl's role, highlighting its significance within a broader religious landscape.

  10. Astronomical and Calendrical Systems:

    • The codex might tie Tepuztecatl to specific times or events, aiding elites in planning ceremonies and agricultural cycles, further merging religious and political authority.

In conclusion, the Codex Selden illustrates how the Mixtec elite of Achiutla used religious symbolism, particularly through Tepuztecatl, to legitimize their power, reinforcing their authority through divine association and ceremonial practices. This manuscript remains a crucial source for understanding the interplay of religion and politics in pre-Hispanic Oaxaca.