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| Figure 1: Maya autosacrifice depicting a woman piercing her tongue |
It is through ritual individuals establish patterned
behaviors, which when used for religious purposes can bind people
together. Another way of connecting
people is through traumatic events. I
can confirm this based on the events of 9/11/01, which unified Americans for a
time afterwards. It is a combination of
these elements, religious ritual and trauma, that is believed to be the cause
and motivations for a practice among the ancient Maya. The ancient Maya are well known for several
aspects of their culture, and one of those aspects is the topic of today’s blog
post: autosacrifice, also known as blood sacrifice (Figure 1). This blog post will explore the various features
of Maya autosacrifice.
The Maya practiced a variety of sacrifices, but
autosacrifice was one of the most common.
Archaeologists know a lot about autosacrifices through the study of
ethnohistoric and archaeological evidence, particularly on pottery, stone
stelae, and wall paintings. From these
pieces of evidence, we know that all members of the Maya participated in
autosacrifice. It was not reserved solely
for the elites, although there were certain bloodletting practices that were saved
for them. Autosacrifice involved the
piercing/cutting various parts of the body, such as the lips, cheeks, ears, arms, thighs,
legs, tongues and penises. A variety of
implements were used to pierce/cut the body, including obsidian and flint knives,
bone awls, sting ray spines, barbed ropes, and antler or wooden items. The blood would be collected into a bowl or
dripped onto paper and offered to the gods.
Blood would either be placed directly onto idols as a symbolic direct
offering or the paper burned so the ashes would rise up to the gods.
It was believed that the offerings were done to honor the
gods, although it may have been done to mimic what the gods had reportedly done
for the Maya in their creation. Several
renditions of the Maya creation myths describe how the gods sacrificed
themselves in the creation and protection of the Maya, and the Maya have paid
tribute to their gods through mimicking the sacrifice. It was also done out of necessity as it was
stated that at least one god, Tlaloc, the rain god, demanded human blood to
keep the rains coming. Failure to comply
could lead to devastating consequences.
Another motivation among the elites for practicing autosacrifice may
have been to maintain and reinforce their power. As they had specific bloodletting rituals reserved
specifically for themselves it enabled them to have a sort of control and authority
over the commoners because if the elites failed to perform their autosacrificing
duties they doomed all of the Maya. This
may have helped quell discussions of rebellions or led to them in times of
environmental unrest.
Maya autosacrifice demonstrates the power of ritual and
trauma among social groups. It is
believed that the combination of bloodletting and ritual fostered a link among
the ancient Maya, regardless of socioeconomic status. This showcases the importance of certain
values, particularly those that run counter to our values systems today, among
the ancient Maya, thereby providing archaeologists greater insights into their
past.
References
Gomez, M. C. 2015. Maya Religion. Ancient History Encyclopedia.
Joralemon, D. (1974). Ritual blood-sacrifice among the
Ancient Maya: Part I. Primera Mesa Redonda de Palenque. Pebble Beach, CA:
Robert Louis Stevenson School, 59-75.
Munson, J., Amati, V., Collard, M., & Macri, M. J.
(2014). Classic Maya bloodletting and the cultural evolution of religious
rituals: quantifying patterns of variation in hieroglyphic texts. PloS one,
9(9), e107982.
Stone, A. (1986). Aspects of impersonation in Classic Maya
art. Sixth Palenque Round Table, 194-202.
Taube, K. (1983). The Classic Maya maize god: a reappraisal.
Fifth Palenque Round Table, 7, 171-181.
32 comments:
I had previous knowledge of Mayan sacrifices for their gods, but I find the correlation of modern piercings and the piercing for bloodletting rituals interesting because in this instance the piercing are being used for spiritual causes whereas modern piercings are often used for personal satisfaction.
Actually, piercing in this blog post reflects cutting, not piercing as you are referring. The term pierce is commonly used with Maya bloodletting practicing, hence the choice of terminology herein. I have edited the post accordingly to clarify. :)
I believe its rather fascinating watching how a leather of cultures utilizerituals and sacarafices as part of their everyday life. The contrast in the Mayans autoscaraficial ways comes off to my as just a lack of education as most rituals are products of. Although I can't logically rap my mind around some of the acts performed, my perspective has broadened after reading more into this
I think that the Mayans were such a different and unique group of people. What they believed, their religion and what they sacrificed is interesting to me. Auto sacrificing in particular is very similar to getting piercings and tattoos to me. We all have different beliefs and reasons for what we do and what we believe in and I think the Mayans were no different.
It is very interesting that blood sacrifice was practiced among the Mayan civilization. I remember learning about them in middle school and I never was taught that this was the reality.
When you say "pierce" does that mean a piece of jewelry was put in place ? Or was the skin just cut ? .. Also, did anyone have a say so if they didn't want to pierce their skin ? Were they forced or looked down upon ?
When I use the term pierce I am using the definition to cut. Typically, autosacrifice was performed by certain individuals who had both the choice and expectation of performing this ritual. The power of religion plays an important role here because those who failed to fulfill their duties to the gods would risk being punished by them. So consider how that feeling might have effected their practice. :)
fun fact, my birthday is 9/11. However, when you stated that they did Auto-sacrifice. is that something that they absolutely had to participate in? Like the did they have a choice on whether or not they wanted any of that happening to them?
- Kyla Thomas
Kyla, as I noted in my response to Taylor's question the choice was based on cultural and religious expectations in their culture. There was more emphasis on royals to practice autosacrifice than commoners, but those who wanted to show their true devotion to the gods would be more likely to practice this ritual.
I wonder why any group of people feel that the best way to make their God happy is to give up a piece of themselves and not serve them in another way
Akwila Cooks
I have always thought about how different cultures have different ways to worship their Gods. When I think about sacrifices I think about this movie I seen as a child which was The Road to el dorado. The Mayans are very interesting people.
Have there actually been a case where an elite failed to perform their autosacrifice duties? If they did was the elite kicked out or killed because I find this very interesting that the Mayans willingly did this without anyone rebelling.
Excellent question, Terri. I do not know of any historical references of this happening. It does not mean that it did not happen and the act was just omitted from the records (as there would be reasons to omit such matters). Given that Maya kings derived their power from keeping the gods favor I doubt any of them did openly defy the gods or the practices associated with them since to do so would risk the wrath of the peasants.
Interesting. If that is the way people want to Thank their Gods they should continue to do so. - Erika Morris
They Mayan tradition of sacrifice was much more complex than my various history classes led me to believe. I was under the assumption that their sacrificial rituals were just priests killing people; I was unaware that everybody participated in sacrificing a part of themselves.
When I first saw the title, I thought that auto sacrifice was the sacrifice of one's own self. But reading more into the post, I find it interesting that they get blood to sacrifice in some of those locations. One would think that they are just cutting blood from their fingers or arms. It is also pretty cool to know that the the entire mayan culture (as a whole) can come together to try and defeat the risk of the Gods defeating the the mayan's.
i remember studying the mayans culture back in high school. this certain group always had my attention. their traditions as well as culture were remarkable as well as sometimes grusome. the mayans would sacrifice blood to gain power over the gods.
Is it known how often they performed these sacrifices? Were they pretty common within a certain time period or was it whenever the priest's felt it was time?
It was very interesting to read about the different types and ways of sacrifice in this culture. I knew that sacrifice occurred, but did not know how it was actually done.
Amber Barnes
What actually meant you could be sacrificed? Could anyone give blood or was it more like virgins or something? Also why did they not use animal blood instead?
There were definitely times when they were supposed to be performed, although I'm guessing there were also informal times they were chosen to be practiced (such as when crops failed or conflict was on the rise).
Autosacrifice is the act of sacrificing oneself, such as the body or blood. The ancient Maya felt that this was a necessary form of sacrifice to appease the gods. Animal blood could not be used as a substitute.
Lindsey Wilkerson
It is very interesting haring about this culture and their from of sacrifice to show their love and trust upon their God. Like many religious beliefs there are different forms of sacrifice to show your appreciation and belief. This specific Religion is very unique to me because this is my first time hearing about the ancient Maya and the level of intensity they go throw for this sacrifice just shows how strong your love and faith goes when it comes to religion and trust.
This is a good example of showing how differently people think. I've learned about the Mayans before but didn't know they participated in autosacrifice.
I just want to say I do not want to meet the Ancient Maya people, this blog might be the most horrifying one to me. I've definitely heard of human sacrifice but I never read deeply into it so, to read this blog and see into the depth of the sacrifice its sicking. I don't understand how people had the stomach for it but I guess if your terrified of the Gods not delivering rain or causing chaos you would do what is necessary. This blog was very mind-blowing for me!
-Kaleshia Gibson
diamond greenwood
i find this article very interesting. i had read before about blood sacrifices but i never thought about them all too much. now i dont doubt the beliefs in the mayan culture but i do know that times are different and if the government or churches tried to do blood sacrifices alot of people, would not be on board just because it has been sort of proven that there are different types of sacrifices you can make like not everything has to be a blood thing. an example of a different type of sacrifice would have to be fasting or when people stop doing things for the sake of religion or their greater good. i still enjoyed the article, it was very eye-opening for me and very interesting.
GIving blood to worship is something different in my eyes.I never really read up on blood sacrifices but its quite interesting.
Prior to reading this article, I only knew little about Mayans. I find it interesting that practice "autosacrafice". It seems a tad bit disturbing but its shows their dedication.
Hi my name is Avery Davis,and I think this blog is so interesting. Blood sacrifices sounds so extreme for the fact of what its called. I wonder if they still participate these rituals in present day?
The Maya and other Central American groups do not practice autosacrifice or any other types of blood sacrifice based on my knowledge. It is a practice that has been discontinued for various reasons, including a loss of culture due to colonization by the Spanish.
Ha! My birthday is 9/11. Anyways, people really did blood sacrifices?, that's really interesting. But was it mandatory for them to participate? Did they get a say so in anything?
-Kyla Thomas
It was informative to learn about the mayan culture and the values they uphold when it comes to their gods. It was intriguing to learn about the sacrifices as well the auto sacrifice.
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