HUMAN SACRIFICES. 



317 



The engraving opposite represents this front 

 The steps are very narrow, and the staircase steep ; 

 and after we had cleared away the trees, and there 

 were no branches to assist us in chmbing, the as- 

 cent and descent' were difficult and dangerous. 

 The padre Cogolludo, the historian referred to, 

 says that he once ascended these steps, and " that 

 when he attempted to descend he repented ; his 

 sight failed him, and he was in some danger." He 

 adds, that in the apartments of the building, which 

 he calls " small chapels," were the " idols," and that 

 there they made sacrifices of men, women, and chil- 

 dren. Beyond doubt this lofty building was a great 

 Teocalis, "El grande de los Kues," the great tem- 

 ple of idols worshipped by the people of Uxmal, 

 consecrated by their most mysterious rites, the holi- 

 est of their holy places. " The High Priest had in 

 his Hand a large, broad, and sharp Knife made of 

 Flint. Another Priest carried a wooden collar 

 wrought like a snake. The persons to be sacrificed 

 were conducted one by one up the Steps, stark na- 

 ked, and as soon as laid on the Stone, had the Col- 

 lar put upon their Necks, and the four priests took 

 hold of the hands and feet. Then the high Priest 

 with wonderful Dexterity ripped up the Breast, tore 

 out the Heart, reeking, with his Hands, and showed 

 it to the Sun, offering him the Heart and Steam 

 that came from it. Then he turned to the Idol, 

 and threw it in his face, which done, he kicked the 

 body down the steps, and it never stopped till it 



