Martín Ocelotl

Martín Ocelotl (1496 – 1537?) was an Aztec indigenous priest (shaman) who was put on trial during New Spain’s Inquisition. He was ultimately banished to Spain.

Ocelotl was born into a powerful family from the town of Chinanta (Chinantl) located in Puebla, Mexico. His last name Ocelotl, means jaguar in Nahuatl. His father was a successful merchant while his mother was a well known and effective priestess. It is also believed that because he came from a powerful family, he was considered to be a religious prodigy at young age.

After the downfall of the Aztec Empire, Ocelotl took up residence in the nearby and former alliance state of Tetzcoco (Texcoco). It was there that Martín was able to continue his practice of being a successful shaman in the town. He also tried to establish a religious school in which many of the indigenous could be able to continue out their daily religious rituals. However, because the conquest had occurred many indigenous started to convert to Christianity in order to avoid the Inquisition.

At the age of twenty-nine in 1525, Ocelotl converted to the Roman Catholic faith and was baptized. He was given the Spanish name Martín. Although Martín was now baptized, he continued to practice the old ways. Rumors about Ocelotl's power spread and many of the priests feared his influence over the converted indigenous community. He was also very wealthy and was able to share with many members within his area. Eventually, he would be accused of using witchcraft and practicing idolatry.

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