Ancient Aztec poetry was filled with lyricism, passion, thought, philosophy, symbol and myth. Nezahualcoyotl (Fasting or Hungry Coyote), universally recognized as the greatest poet of Ancient Mexico, was also famed as an architect, engineer, city planner, reluctant warrior, lawgiver, and philosopher. This poetry was mainly preserved in two collections compiled in the 1500s. Nezahualcoyotl composed at least 36 of the poems in these collections. Many other poems are attributed to him. Leader of the city-state Texcoco, the cultural center of Ancient Mexico, he maintained his peoples independence in an era dominated by his Mexica allies in Tenochtitlan. These poems fall into a category known as flower-songs (xochicuicame), the most popular form of Aztec poetry. The poet would stand beside a huehuetl drum and recite the poetry, often also accompanied by a teponaztli and sometimes a flute. Drums and percussion by John Hale.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 04:35:05 +0000