Smoke, Flames, and the Human Body in Mesoamerican Ritual Practice

About “Smoke, Flames, and the Human Body in Mesoamerican Ritual Practice”

This academic book explores the role of fire in Mesoamerican culture, focusing on its spiritual and ritual significance. Fire was seen as a powerful, living force associated with life, strength, and transformation. It was used in various rituals, including the burning of offerings and the heating of human bodies. The book examines the practices of burning bodies and bones, aiming to understand the beliefs and ideologies behind these actions. It brings together multiple scholars who study fire and the body from different perspectives, highlighting the diversity of Mesoamerican societies and their shared cultural practices. The work provides insight into how fire shaped ritual and spiritual life across Mesoamerica.