Temazcal

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File:ES Joya Ceren 05 2012 Estructura 9 Area 2 Tamazcal 1478.JPG
Temazcal at the Joya de Cerén archaeological site, El Salvador

A temazcal Script error: No such module "IPA". is a type of sweat lodge, which originated with indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. The term temazcal comes from the Nahuatl language, either from the words Script error: No such module "Lang". (to bathe) and Script error: No such module "Lang". (house),[1] or from the word Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "IPA". (house of heat).Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Overview

File:Codex Magliabechiano (folio 77r).jpg
Pictogram of an Aztec temazcal in the Codex Magliabechiano

In ancient Mesoamerica it was used as part of a curative ceremony thought to purify the body after exertion such as after a battle or a ceremonial ball game.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". It was also used for healing the sick, improving health, and for women to give birth.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". It continues to be used today in Indigenous cultures of Mexico and Central America that were part of the ancient Mesoamerican region for spiritual healing and health enrichment reasons.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

The temazcal is usually a permanent structure, unlike sweat lodges of other regions. It has various construction styles differing by region: from volcanic rock and cement, adobe mud bricks, even wood, mud, and cloth can be utilized.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". It may be a circular dome made to represent the uterus, although rectangular ones have been found at certain archeological sitesTemplate:Which? and this shape is also used. To produce steam, water is poured over heated volcanic stones, which will not crack and explode like other rocks in confined high temperature areas. The stones may be heated with fire from an outside port or placed in a pit located in the center or near a wall of the temazcal.

See also

Notes

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External links

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