Leiden University Student Repository

Szałańska, Marcela (2012)

Supernatural metaphors. Systematic analysis of calendrical names in ritual language in the Treatise by Hernando Ruiz de Alarcón.

Master thesis | Archaeology (MA/MSc)

Ritual speech is one of the most complex forms of language. It is full of metaphors and complicated phases, in most cases possible to use and understand only by insiders. Moreover, the relevant context, usually of ritual performance has to be provided in order for the incantations to be effective. This paper analysis the context and metaphors in the religious language used by the ritual specialists in 17th century Mesoamerica based on the Treatise by Hernando Ruiz de Alarcón. The complexity of the metaphors used in the spells allows only for one group to be examined. Therefore, the metaphors recognised as calendrical names are examined through systematic analysis. Furthermore, the comparison with the day signs, plates 9-13 of the Borgia Codex, is made in order to investigate the extend of parallel meaning. As a result, the analysis enhances better understanding of the ritual speech-nahuallatolli as well as religious world view of the 17th century Mesoamerican people.

calendrical names

metaphors

Author

Szałańska, Marcela

Faculty

Faculty of Archaeology

Specialisation

Archaeology of Mesoamerica

Supervisors

Jansen, M.E.R.G.N.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en