 | Death by Effigy: A Case from the Mexican Inquisition Subjects: Inquisition -- Mexico -- Tecamachalco (Puebla) -- History -- 16th century; Executions in effigy -- Mexico -- Tecamachalco (Puebla) -- History -- 16th century; Trials (Libel) -- Mexico -- Tecamachalco (Puebla) -- History -- 16th century; On July 21, 1578, a small Mexican town awoke to the news of a scandal. Nailed to the door of its church was a double-faced effigy denouncing a neighbor as a Jew who should burn at the stake. Nine trials over the course of four years revealed a story of dishonor, revenge, and the Inquisition's relentless determination to defend its symbols. Luis R. Corteguera is Professor of History at the University of Kansas. |
