Abstract

ECHEVERRIA GARCIA, Jaime. The construction of the body of the “other:” the crazy, the fearful and the foreigner among the ancient Nahuas. Cuicuilco. Rev. cienc. antropol. [online]. 2017, vol.24, n.70, pp.139-170. ISSN 2448-8488.

In this article the representations that the ancient Nahuas, especially the Mexicas, created about three figures of otherness: the madman, the fearful and the foreigner are discussed. The representations are based on the idea that the heart -among other organs-, the psychic complex and the cold/hot opposition, were determining factors in the construction of the body of the “other,” whilst at the same time helping to delineate the ethnic Nahua identity. The alterities recognized by the Nahuas were functional for several reasons: they demonstrated the deficiencies and excesses, the behaviors and gestures prohibited by the Nahua culture, as well as the canons in dress and adornment, along with sexual norms, among other topics.

Keywords : Nahuas; Alterity; Crazy; Fearful; Foreigner.