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Question for February 2012

Why didn't Aztec houses have doors?? Asked by Friends Junior School. Chosen and answered by Our In-House Team

The simple answer is: due to the weather! It’s generally a lot friendlier in Mexico than in the UK, with long periods of warm, pleasant temperatures; much of every-day life in Aztec Mexico took place outdoors, even tasks that we do today indoors, such as having a wash, going to the loo, cooking, preparing food, weaving, looking after domestic animals, etc. The home was mainly just for sleeping in, and for protection against storms.

Mexica (Aztec) houses were simple, small and functional, to say the least, often with a single room, without windows. The doorway provided the only source of daylight. At night the doorway would be covered with a long curtain, to which was attached a simple bell, so the family inside would hear straight away if anyone were to enter the house.

A door just wasn’t needed!

Picture courtesy of Felipe Dávalos

Our In-House Team has answered 25 questions altogether.

Comments (1)

t

tecpaocelotl

12th Apr 2012

Not to mention a bit humid.
One thing though, did they always have smoke at night to ward off the mosquitos or is that something post conquest?

M

Mexicolore

Good point! Our understanding is yes, they kept a fire going all night - partly in reverence to the Old Fire God, probably partly too because corn processing requires that the seed be slowly simmered in a pot all night. So, as in Maya territory, Aztec household fires were places of constant warmth - and if they kept mosquitoes away too, it was a bonus!

Our In-House Team

Our In-House Team

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