SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



77 



human figure, uniting all that is horrible in 

 the tiger and rattle-snake : instead of arms it 

 is supplied with two large serpents, and its 

 drapery is composed of wreathed snakes inter- 

 woven in the most disgusting manner, and 

 the sides terminating in the wings of a vulture. 

 Its feet are those of the tiger, with claws ex- 

 tended in the act of seizing its prey, and be- 

 tween them lies the head of another rattle- 

 snake, which seems descending from the body 

 of the idol. Its decorations accord with its 

 horrid form, having a large necklace composed 

 of human hearts, hands, and skulls, and fas- 

 tened together by the entrails, — the deformed 

 breasts of the idol only remaining uncovered. 

 It has evidently been painted in natural 

 colours, which must have added greatly to the 

 terrific effect it was intended to inspire in its 

 votaries. 



During the time it was exposed, the court 

 of the University was crowded with people. 



