Aztec Death Bundle

Aztec Death Bundle

Collection: Codex Tudela, folio 60
Location: Museo de América in Madrid.
Date: 16th century

When they were buried, the family members put their personal belongings and maybe even a lock of hair with them, so that the soul would know where to return. Hair was said to be considered to be representative of one's spirit, and it was sacred in Indigenous communities. It was directly related to honor and was therefore a disgrace to have it cut. Because of these strong beliefs, it was a valuable gift and was often found alongside the dead as a gift to their souls in the afterlife.