6.2 Mayan codices and bark paper books
7 min read•august 20, 2024
Mayan codices were ancient folding books that recorded crucial religious, historical, and astronomical information. Made from or , these manuscripts provide invaluable insights into Maya civilization's complex belief systems and scientific knowledge.
Only a few codices survived Spanish conquest, as many were destroyed. The remaining texts cover astronomy, rituals, , and . Highly trained scribes and artists created these intricate works, which continue to be studied and deciphered by scholars today.
Overview of Mayan codices
- Mayan codices are folding books created by the pre-Columbian Maya civilization to record important religious, historical, and astronomical information
- These ancient manuscripts provide invaluable insights into the complex belief systems, rituals, and scientific knowledge of the Maya people
- Only a small number of codices have survived to the present day, as many were destroyed during the Spanish conquest of the Maya region in the 16th century
Materials used in codex creation
Amate bark paper
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- Amate paper, made from the inner bark of fig trees (Ficus sp.), was the primary material used for creating Mayan codices
- The bark was stripped, soaked, and then beaten with stone tools to create a thin, pliable sheet suitable for writing and painting
- Amate paper production was a specialized craft, with certain regions known for their high-quality paper
Deer hide
- In some cases, Mayan codices were created using deer hide as a writing surface
- The hide was treated, stretched, and smoothed to provide a durable and flexible material for the codex pages
- The use of deer hide may have been reserved for more prestigious or important codices
Paints and dyes
- Mayan scribes and artists used a variety of natural pigments to create the vibrant colors seen in the codices
- Black ink was derived from carbonized materials, such as soot or charcoal, mixed with a binding agent
- Other colors, including red, blue, green, and yellow, were obtained from mineral sources (hematite, azurite, malachite) and organic sources (cochineal insects, indigo plants)
Structure and format
Accordion-style folding
- Mayan codices were constructed using an technique, allowing the book to be compressed for storage and easily expanded for reading
- The continuous sheet of amate paper or deer hide was folded back and forth, creating a series of connected pages
- This folding method allowed for a long, continuous narrative or information to be presented in a compact format
Individual pages
- Each fold in the accordion-style codex created two pages, one on the front and one on the back
- The dimensions of the individual pages varied, but they were typically taller than they were wide
- Scribes and artists would plan the layout and content of each page to ensure a cohesive narrative or information flow throughout the codex
Wooden front and back covers
- Mayan codices often featured wooden front and back covers to protect the delicate pages within
- These covers were made from thin, flat pieces of wood, often decorated with elaborate carvings or painted designs
- The covers not only served a practical purpose but also added to the aesthetic and symbolic value of the codex
Subject matter in the codices
Astronomical tables and almanacs
- Many Mayan codices contained detailed and almanacs, reflecting the advanced knowledge and keen interest the Maya had in celestial phenomena
- These tables included information on the movements of the sun, moon, planets, and stars, as well as predictions for eclipses and other significant astronomical events
- The astronomical data was used for both practical purposes (agricultural cycles, timekeeping) and religious rituals
Ritual and divination guides
- Codices often served as guides for religious rituals and divination practices, providing instructions and symbolism for ceremonies and prophecies
- These sections included descriptions of deities, offerings, and sacred calendar dates associated with specific rituals
- Divination guides helped priests and shamans interpret signs and make predictions based on the sacred calendar and other spiritual factors
Dynastic records and histories
- Some codices chronicled the dynastic histories and important events of Mayan city-states and ruling families
- These records included genealogies, accession dates, military conquests, and significant political alliances
- The inclusion of dynastic records in codices helped legitimize the rule of kings and queens and preserve the of their reigns for future generations
Tribute lists
- Codices also contained tribute lists, which recorded the goods and resources that vassal city-states or regions were required to provide to the ruling elite
- These lists included items such as cacao, feathers, jade, and textiles, as well as the quantities and frequencies of the tributes
- Tribute lists served as a form of economic and political control, reinforcing the power structures within the Mayan hierarchy
Scribes and artists
Highly trained specialists
- The creation of Mayan codices was carried out by highly trained scribes and artists, who were often members of the noble class
- These individuals underwent extensive education and apprenticeships to master the complex writing system, artistic techniques, and esoteric knowledge required for codex production
- Scribes and artists were held in high regard within Mayan society, as their skills were essential for preserving and transmitting cultural, religious, and historical information
Techniques and artistry
- Mayan scribes used a variety of tools and techniques to create the intricate text and illustrations found in the codices
- Writing implements included reed pens, quills, and brushes made from animal hair or plant fibers
- Artists employed a range of painting techniques, such as outlining, shading, and layering colors, to create vivid and detailed images
- The skill and creativity of the scribes and artists are evident in the precise linework, elegant calligraphy, and dynamic compositions that characterize Mayan codices
Destruction of codices by Spanish
Extent of destruction
- During the Spanish conquest of the Maya region in the 16th century, many Mayan codices were destroyed by the invading forces
- The exact number of codices lost is unknown, but it is believed that only a small fraction of the original corpus has survived to the present day
- The destruction of the codices represents a significant loss of Mayan cultural heritage and historical knowledge
Motivations of the Spanish
- The Spanish conquistadors and clergy targeted Mayan codices for destruction due to a combination of religious, political, and cultural factors
- The Catholic Church viewed the codices as idolatrous and heretical, as they contained depictions of Mayan deities and religious practices that were seen as incompatible with Christianity
- The destruction of codices was part of a broader effort to eradicate Mayan religious beliefs and assert Spanish cultural and political dominance in the region
Surviving codices today
Paris Codex
- The , also known as the Codex Peresianus, is a fragmentary Mayan codex housed at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris
- It consists of 11 double-sided pages, with content focusing on astronomical tables, calendar systems, and religious rituals
- The Paris Codex is believed to have been created in the Late Postclassic period (c. 1450-1521 CE)
Madrid Codex
- The , also known as the Tro-Cortesianus Codex, is the longest surviving Mayan codex, with 112 pages
- It is housed at the Museo de América in Madrid, Spain
- The content of the Madrid Codex includes astronomical tables, almanacs, divination guides, and information on Mayan deities and rituals
Dresden Codex
- The is a well-preserved Mayan codex, housed at the Saxon State Library in Dresden, Germany
- It consists of 39 double-sided pages, with content focused on astronomical tables, calendar systems, and religious rituals
- The Dresden Codex is known for its detailed and accurate astronomical calculations, including the prediction of solar eclipses
Grolier Codex
- The is a partial Mayan codex, consisting of 11 pages, discovered in a cave in Mexico in the 1960s
- Its authenticity was initially disputed, but recent studies have confirmed it as a genuine pre-Columbian artifact
- The content of the Grolier Codex primarily focuses on astronomical tables and calendar systems
Deciphering and studying the codices
Challenges in translation
- Deciphering and translating Mayan codices presents numerous challenges for scholars and researchers
- The Mayan writing system is complex, consisting of both phonetic and logographic elements, with many symbols and having multiple meanings or readings
- The limited number of surviving codices and the lack of a complete understanding of the Mayan language and context further complicate the translation process
Advances in understanding
- Despite the challenges, significant advances have been made in the understanding and interpretation of Mayan codices over the past century
- The decipherment of the Mayan script in the 1950s and 1960s by scholars such as Yuri Knorozov and provided a foundation for further research
- Advances in archaeological research, linguistic analysis, and comparative studies have shed new light on the content and context of the codices
Ongoing scholarly work
- The study of Mayan codices remains an active and dynamic field of research, with scholars from various disciplines contributing to the understanding of these ancient texts
- Ongoing work includes refining translations, analyzing the astronomical and mathematical content, exploring the religious and cultural symbolism, and situating the codices within the broader context of Mayan society
- Collaborative efforts between scholars, institutions, and indigenous communities are crucial for the continued preservation, interpretation, and appreciation of these invaluable Mayan cultural treasures
Key Terms to Review (22)
Accordion-style folding: Accordion-style folding is a method of creating a book structure where the pages are arranged in a zigzag pattern that allows for easy expansion and contraction, resembling the folds of an accordion. This technique enables a seamless presentation of illustrations and text, making it particularly effective for storytelling and visual displays.
Amate bark paper: Amate bark paper is a traditional Mesoamerican paper made from the inner bark of certain trees, particularly the wild fig and mulberry trees. This versatile material played a significant role in the creation of Mayan codices and other bark paper books, serving as a medium for recording important cultural, historical, and religious texts, and demonstrating the ingenuity of ancient Mesoamerican peoples in utilizing natural resources.
Astronomical tables: Astronomical tables are systematic records used by the ancient Maya to predict celestial events and cycles, including the movements of planets, the moon, and eclipses. These tables were crucial for agricultural planning, religious ceremonies, and navigation, showcasing the Mayans' advanced understanding of astronomy and its application in daily life.
Binding techniques: Binding techniques refer to the various methods used to assemble and secure pages together in a book or manuscript, particularly in the context of creating codices and bark paper books in ancient Mesoamerica. These techniques played a critical role in the preservation and accessibility of written knowledge, allowing for the documentation of history, religious texts, and other important information within Mayan culture. The choice of binding influenced the durability, usability, and aesthetic aspects of the codices.
Deer hide: Deer hide refers to the skin of deer that has been tanned and processed for various uses, particularly in the context of ancient Mesoamerican cultures. It was an important material used by the Mayans for crafting items such as clothing, ceremonial objects, and manuscripts, connecting it to their artistic and cultural expressions.
Dresden Codex: The Dresden Codex is one of the oldest surviving pre-Columbian Mayan books, created in the 11th or 12th century. This codex serves as a crucial source of information about Mayan religion, history, and astronomy, revealing the sophisticated understanding of these subjects among the Maya.
Dynastic records: Dynastic records are historical accounts that document the lineage and reign of rulers within a specific dynasty. These records played a crucial role in preserving the history of royal families, highlighting significant events, achievements, and rituals associated with the rulers' reigns. In the context of ancient civilizations, such as the Maya, these records were often inscribed on codices or bark paper books, serving both as a narrative of power and a means of legitimation for succeeding rulers.
Epigraphy: Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions or written texts, often carved on durable materials like stone or metal, which provides insight into historical languages, cultures, and societies. This field plays a crucial role in understanding ancient civilizations by decoding their writing systems and revealing historical events, religious practices, and daily life.
Glyphs: Glyphs are visual symbols used in writing systems to represent words, sounds, or concepts. In the context of the ancient Mayans, these intricate symbols played a critical role in their communication, historical record-keeping, and religious expression, influencing various aspects of their civilization.
Grolier Codex: The Grolier Codex is one of the few surviving pre-Columbian Mayan codices, recognized for its significant insights into Maya cosmology and ritual practices. This codex is notable for its intricate illustrations and detailed glyphs, offering a glimpse into the religious and cultural life of the ancient Maya, as well as their calendar system and astronomical knowledge.
Hieroglyphs: Hieroglyphs are a system of writing that uses symbols and pictures to represent sounds, words, and concepts, primarily associated with the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica, including the Maya. This complex writing system was crucial for recording historical events, religious texts, and administrative details, allowing the Mayans to communicate sophisticated ideas and preserve their culture across generations. Hieroglyphs were engraved on monuments, painted in codices, and inscribed on various objects.
History: History refers to the study and interpretation of past events, particularly those involving human activities and societies. It involves examining primary sources, like documents, artifacts, and oral accounts, to understand how people lived, thought, and interacted with each other and their environment. This understanding can be illustrated through various forms of documentation, including codices and bark paper books created by ancient civilizations, which serve as critical tools for preserving knowledge and cultural practices.
J. Eric S. Thompson: J. Eric S. Thompson was a prominent British archaeologist and epigrapher known for his significant contributions to the study of the ancient Maya civilization, particularly in deciphering Mayan hieroglyphs and understanding their cultural context. His research laid the groundwork for future studies on Mayan codices and contributed to the development of tourism at archaeological sites by bringing greater awareness and appreciation of Mayan history and culture.
Madrid Codex: The Madrid Codex is one of the few surviving pre-Columbian Mayan books, primarily written in the 12th or 13th century. This codex serves as an essential source for understanding Mayan religious rituals and ceremonies, showcasing various deities and their associated rites, as well as providing insight into the intricate system of Mayan hieroglyphic writing and codices created on bark paper.
Mythology: Mythology refers to a collection of myths, or traditional stories, that are used to explain natural phenomena, cultural practices, and the beliefs of a particular group or civilization. These narratives often involve gods, supernatural beings, and heroic figures, serving as a framework for understanding the world and the human experience. In the context of ancient cultures, such as the Maya, mythology plays a crucial role in their worldview and is deeply intertwined with their art, religion, and daily life.
Paints and dyes: Paints and dyes refer to substances used to color or decorate surfaces and materials, traditionally derived from natural sources like plants, minerals, and insects. In the context of ancient cultures, these materials were essential for creating vivid artworks and documenting history through various forms, including codices and bark paper books.
Paleography: Paleography is the study of ancient writing systems and the analysis of historical manuscripts. It involves deciphering, reading, and dating texts from past civilizations, which is crucial for understanding the culture, language, and history of those societies. In the context of ancient Mayan civilization, paleography plays a key role in interpreting Mayan codices and bark paper books, revealing insights into their social, religious, and political life.
Papermaking: Papermaking is the process of producing paper from raw materials, often involving the conversion of plant fibers into sheets that can be used for writing or printing. In ancient Mesoamerica, particularly among the Mayans, papermaking was vital for creating codices, which were significant in recording history, rituals, and daily life. The unique techniques developed by the Mayans, such as using bark from trees, allowed for the creation of durable and flexible writing surfaces that were distinct from paper in other cultures.
Paris Codex: The Paris Codex is one of the few surviving pre-Columbian Maya codices, specifically a bark-paper book that contains valuable historical and astronomical information. This codex is significant for its detailed glyphs and images, which provide insights into the Maya civilization's social, political, and religious practices. It serves as an essential primary source for understanding the culture and knowledge of the Maya people.
Ritual and divination guides: Ritual and divination guides are instructional texts that outline specific religious practices and methods for seeking knowledge from the divine. These guides were crucial in the Mayan civilization, as they provided priests and individuals with the necessary steps to conduct rituals, interpret omens, and understand celestial events. The use of these guides reflects the Mayans' deep connection to their spirituality and belief in the influence of gods on daily life.
Tatiana Proskouriakoff: Tatiana Proskouriakoff was a pioneering American archaeologist and epigrapher known for her groundbreaking work on Mayan inscriptions and codices. Her research helped to decode the complex hieroglyphic writing of the Maya, which significantly advanced the understanding of Mayan civilization and its history, particularly in relation to Mayan codices and bark paper books.
Tribute lists: Tribute lists are detailed records used by the Maya to document the goods and services owed to them by subordinate polities or individuals as a form of tribute. These lists often included specific items such as food, textiles, and luxury goods, reflecting the economic relationships and hierarchies within the Mayan civilization. They were critical for understanding the tribute system that helped sustain the political and economic power of the elite, especially documented in Mayan codices and bark paper books.