Mockeries and Metamorphoses of an Aztec God: Tezcatlipoca, `Lord of the Smoking Mirror' (Mesoamerican Worlds Series)

Neglected by scholars in favour of his great rival Quetzalcoatl, Tezcatlipoca is among the most enigmatic of the Aztec gods. A large amount of documentary, iconographic and archaeological evidence survives for this powerful avenging figure. In this substantial study, now translated into English, Olivier draws on this rich body of evidence to discuss the symbolism associated with the god, his names and representations, his role in the fall of the kingdom of Tollan, his temple, priests and rituals.