Michoacán Relation

Michoacán Relation – Testimonio Compañía Editorial – Ç.IV.5 – Real Biblioteca del Monasterio (San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain)

Province of Mechuacan or Michoacan (Mexico) — 1539–1541

The ancient history, rites and customs of the Purépecha: insights into the even then almost lost culture of the greatest rivals of the Aztecs in western Mexico, written by a Franciscan monk

  1. The Franciscan monk Jeronimo de Alcalá (1571–1632) wrote about the history, rites, and customs of the Purépecha

  2. This codex offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of an indigenous ethnic group in western Mexico

  3. They lived in Michoacán, a state on Mexico's west coast, and were powerful rivals to the Aztecs

Michoacán Relation

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  1. Description
  2. Detail Picture
  3. Single Page
  4. Facsimile Editions (1)
Description
Michoacán Relation

This manuscript, known as Michoacán Relation, is a unique testimony to the history, rites and customs of the Purépecha, one of the First Nations of North America. The codex offers a historical insight into their fascinating culture, which was in danger of being wiped out by the 16th century conquest by Europeans. One of the few records from the early days of the subjugation of the Purépecha through Spanish colonization is owed to the Franciscan monk Jeronimo de Alcalá (1571-1632), who around 1540 compiled important information about the ethnic group still existing today, probably on behalf of the first viceroy of the "New World", Antonio de Mendoza (1495-1552). In addition to the explanatory text, the Codex from Michoacán also contains 44 illustrative pen and ink drawings that wonderfully demonstrate the life of the Purépecha in the central-western region of modern Mexico in the 16th century.

Michoacán Relation

The mid–16th century manuscript known as the Michoacán Relation is a unique piece of evidence of the history, rites, and customs of the Purépecha. The codex offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of an indigenous ethnic group in Mexico, whose wonderful culture was lost due to the 16th century conquest by Europeans. The fact that this important knowledge was not lost is thanks to the Franciscan monk Jeronimo de Alcalá. Thus, the Michoacán Relation offers numerous illustrations alongside the explanatory text, which wonderfully demonstrates the life of the Purépecha in the central-western region of modern Mexico.

The Purépecha People

Information about the history, culture, and political organization of the Purépecha, one of the indigenous ethnic groups in Mexico, is assembled on 306 pages in the Michoacán Relation. They lived in the province of Michoacán, a Mexican state on the country’s west coast. The Purépecha were a powerful people. Rivals to the Aztecs, they are famous to this day for their significant cities, which are known today as a site for archeological excavation and for tourists to visit ruins. The Spanish conquest of the New World in the 15th century, per Hernán Cortés in Mexico, lead to the subjugation of the Purépecha from 1525–30, inter alia, and the killing of their leader Tanganxon II. They were subsequently missionized and robbed of their own culture.

History from a Trustworthy Source

The Franciscan Jeronimo de Alcalá, a Spanish monk, composed the Relación de las ceremonias y ritos y población y gobernación de los indios de la provincia de Michoacán ca. 1539-40. In doing so, he was presumably complying with a commission by the first Viceroy of the New World, Antonio de Mendoza. Jeronimo de Alcalá was able to rely on the help of a few priests of the Purépecha, who were able to relate their stories and knowledge to him. The codex probably came to El Escorial, where it is stored today, as a gift from Antonio de Mendoza to King Philip II.

Exotic Regions and Fantastical Names

The text is divided into three sections. The first follows the title page and forward, which no longer exists intact and comprises only a one-page-part of the text. This addresses the gods of the Purépecha and the feasts, which were organized in their honor, and contains the tale of the foundation of the kingdom by the Chichimeca in the Zachapu swamp. The second part of codex with 35 chapter contains tales of the legendary hero Tariácur and his glorious deeds. These were the people’s ancient ancestors. Additionally, the political and religious foundations of the nation were explained. Finally, in the third section, which is comprised of 29 chapters, the Spanish conquest is thematized.

Wonderful Miniatures

44 pen drawings illustrate the text. These are wonderfully colored with dyes made of both plants and animals, e.g. the blue of the water or the green of the trees. Thus, battles between the Indians or with the European invaders, inter alia, are brought to our attention in marvelously colorful, wild scenes. There are also figures of fantasy, who have their source in the mysteries and legends of the people. The Michoacán Relation is an irreplaceable, unique historical and anthropological document of the culture of the Purépecha!

Codicology

Alternative Titles
Relación de Michoacán
Relation de Michoacan
Códice de Michoacán
Codex aus Michoacán
Relación de las ceremonias y ritos, población y gobernación de los indios de Mechoacán
Size / Format
306 pages / 21.0 × 15.0 cm
Origin
Mexico
Date
1539–1541
Language
Script
Secretary
Illustrations
44 washed pen and ink drawings
Content
Records about the culture of the Purépecha
Patron
Antonio de Mendoza (1495–1552)
Artist / School
Previous Owners
King Philipp II of Spain (1527–1598)
Diego González

Available facsimile editions:
Michoacán Relation – Testimonio Compañía Editorial – Ç.IV.5 – Real Biblioteca del Monasterio (San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain)
Testimonio Compañía Editorial – Madrid, 2001
Limited Edition: 988 copies
Detail Picture

Michoacán Relation

The Omens of Destruction

This miniature shows the omens which, according to legend, foretold the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. At the top left is a bloody ladder at a temple from which decorative stones have been broken out. A comet also appears, which the high priest and his companion point to at the bottom left. On the right, the high priest is dressed in a ceremonial robe that appears to match the masks and headdresses of the assembled deities. The scene is attended by the wife of Ucareo, who has been chosen by the deities as a mediator. Wine, honey and plums are placed in front of the assembly as offerings, but the deities have already made their decision: it will all come to an end.

Michoacán Relation – Testimonio Compañía Editorial – Ç.IV.5 – Real Biblioteca del Monasterio (San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain)
Single Page

Michoacán Relation

Arrival of the Spaniards and Everyday Life in Michoacán

The blue lagoon divides the picture page into two natural pictorial spaces. Below, the everyday life of the indigenous population is shown. In a forest of agave plants, people can be seen carrying out various activities: A couple hides behind an agave tree, traders carry heavy loads, a woman carries a child, another holds a jug, two figures are holding a dog and a wild turkey in their arms.

Meanwhile, in the upper part of the image, the first three Spaniards reach Michoacán. Armed with spears, they follow oversized footprints on their horses. The Cazonci of the Purépecha stands in his house in costly garb and is surrounded by advisors who appear to be organizing the presentation of gifts for the arrivals. Five carriers shoulder a variety of pottery, axes and stools, while bundles of gold, silver and valuable feathers are already waiting to be collected.

Michoacán Relation – Testimonio Compañía Editorial – Ç.IV.5 – Real Biblioteca del Monasterio (San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain)
Facsimile Editions

#1 Michoacán Relation

Publisher: Testimonio Compañía Editorial – Madrid, 2001
Limited Edition: 988 copies
Binding: Hand stitched and bound in stamped goatskin
Commentary: 1 volume (606 pages) by Armando Mauricio Escobar Olmedo, Maria del Carmen Hidalgo Brinquis, Vicenta Cortés Alonso, Benedic Warren, Francisco Miranda Godínez, Juan José Batalla Rosado, and Gerardo Sánchez Díaz
Language: Spanish
1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) 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.
Facsimile Copy Available!
Price Category: €€€
(3,000€ - 7,000€)
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