Translation of Tzompantli

[Archaeology Institute]

Dear Colleagues,

        I've just completed an initial draft of a manuscript on the subject of the Mesoamerican tzompantli.  During the course of my research I found diverse translations and interpretations of the term "tzompantli."  For one, the term tends to be
interpreted as "skull rack" in the most generic sense, whereas those who have had occasion to translate the term more literally identify its meaning with the translation of "skull banner" -- which appears to constitute a gloss of tzontecomatl (skull
or gourd?) and pantli (banner).  Any assistance from the nahua language experts out there would be most appreciated, and acknowledged in print.  PS: By the way, the manuscript in question is titled "The Divine Gourd Tree: Tzompantli Skull Racks,
Decapitation Rituals, and Human Trophies in Ancient Mesoamerica."

Best Regards,

Ruben G. Mendoza, Ph.D., Director
Institute for Archaeological Science, Technology and Visualization
Social and Behavioral Sciences
California State University Monterey Bay
100 Campus Center
Seaside, California 93955-8001

Email: archaeology_institute at csumb..edu
Voice: 831-582-3760
Fax: 831-582-3566
http://archaeology.csumb.edu
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