Codex Ixtlilxochitl

The esoteric rituals performed by the Aztecs atop their massive pyramids are detailed in this manuscript
It details inter alia a religious calendar with a god representing each of the 18 months of the Aztec year
Named after Fernando de Alva Cortés Ixtlilxochitl (ca. 1568/80–1648), an author and member of the ruling family of Texcoco

Codex Ixtlilxochitl

Ms. Mex. 65-71 Bibliothèque nationale de France (Paris, France)

Description

Codex Ixtlilxochitl

Documents from the early days of Spanish colonization not only provide valuable information about cultures that were quickly going extinct, but also about the perspective of the conquerors. The Codex Ixtlilxochitl is just such a manuscript and details the rituals and ceremonies held atop the massive pyramids of the Aztecs. The 17th century manuscript is written on European paper and features 29 illustrations of the festivals and rituals of ancient Mexico.

Codex Ixtlilxochitl

The Codex Ixtlilxochitl is an early 17th century fragment detailing, among other subjects, a calendar of the annual festivals and rituals celebrated at the Aztec teocalli ("pyramids") during the Mexican calendar year. Each of the 18 months is represented by a god or an historical character. Written in Spanish, the Codex Ixtlilxochitl has 50 pages comprising 27 separate sheets of European paper with 29 illustrations. It was derived from the same source as the Codex Magliabechiano. It was named after Fernando de Alva Cortés Ixtlilxochitl (between 1568 & 1578 – c. 1650), the author of Obras Historicas and a member of the ruling family of Texcoco, and is held in the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. The manuscript consists of four different sections, all written out and illustrated on European paper, of which at least the first section is fragmentary. Sections 1–3 have been reproduced in the original colors, section 4 is in b/w.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Codex of Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxóchitl
Codex des Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxóchitl
Aubin Manuscript
Codex Aubin
Codex Goupil
Type: Manuscript on paper
Size / Format: 50 pages / 34.0 × 24.5 cm
Origin: Peru
Date: End of the 16th century or beginning of the 17th century
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Pre-Columbian
Genre: Mythology / Prophecies
Astronomy / Astrology
Language: Spanish
Script: Cursive
Illustrations: 29 full- and half-page illustrations
Content: Calendar of the annual festivals and rituals of the Aztecs
Artist / School: Fernando de Alva Cortés Ixtlilxóchitl (between 1568 and 1580 – 1648)
Previous Owners: Carlos de Sigüenza y Gòngara (1645 – 1700)
Colegio de San Pedro y San Pablo
Lorenzo Boturini Benaduci (1698–1749)
Juan de Santelizes Pablo
Joseph Marius Alexis Aubin (1802–91)
E. Eugene Goupil (1831–96)

Available facsimile editions:

Facsimile Editions

#1 Codex Ixtlilxochitl

Akademische Druck- u. Verlagsanstalt (ADEVA) – Graz, 1976

Publisher: Akademische Druck- u. Verlagsanstalt (ADEVA) – Graz, 1976

Binding: Grey cloth with embossing

Commentary: 1 volume (36 pages) by Jacqueline de Durand-Forest
Languages: French, English, Spanish

1 volume: This facsimile is not complete. Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.

Price Category: € (under 1,000€)

Edition available

Price: Login here!

Order / Ask a Question

You might also be interested in:

Book of Prophecies

Between 1502 and 1504

He believed in providence and mission from God: the "political-religious testament" of Christopher Columbus' with biblical passages collected and annotated by him

Experience More