Eight Deer Jaguar Claw

Who was Eight Deer Jaguar Claw?

Eight Deer Jaguar Claw was a powerful Mixtec ruler in 11th century Oaxaca referred to in the 15th century deerskin manuscript Codex Zouche-Nuttall, and other Mixtec manuscripts. His surname is alternatively translated Tiger-Claw and Ocelot-Claw. John Pohl has dated his life as having lasted from 1063 until his death by sacrifice in 1115. Consonant with standard Aztec practice, the "Eight Deer" component of his name refers to his day of birth within the 260-day Aztec cycle, which cycles through 13 numbers and 20 various signs.

His reputation as a great ruler has given him a legendary status among the Mixtecs and some aspects of his life story as it is told in the pictographic codices seem to merge with myth. Furthermore, actual knowledge of his life is hindered by the lack of complete understanding of the Mixtec codices, and although the study of the codices has advanced much over the past 20 years, it is still difficult to achieve a definitive interpretation of their narrative. The narrative, as it is currently understood, is a tragic story of a man who achieves greatness but falls victim to his own hunger for power. The following biography of 8 Deer is based on the way it is interpreted by specialist in Mixtec archaeology and ethnohistory, John Pohl.