Staff Report
Anyone who has ever been interested in how the people of MesoAmerica lived can now see for themselves.
As part of a continuing series of exhibits in Zimmerman Library's Hertzstein Latin American Reading Room, a series of ancient manuscripts from the area is giving visitors a chance to see how the early Mexican people recorded their history.
"Mesoamerican Codices and their Depictions: History Recorded, History Erased," is a chance to pay tribute to a people and a time that helped shape the United States, according to a University news release.
"This exhibit is meant to showcase a part of our collection that people might not be familiar with," said Russ Davidson, curator of Latin American and Iberian collections, in a University news release. "It should be of particular interest to pre-Columbianists, ethnohistorians and others who want to know more about the early contact period. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the rich diversity in Mesoamerica."
Created on long strips of material or single panels, the ancient manuscripts graphically depict plants, animals and historic scenes. The visual representations also give visitors insight to the area's religion with descriptions of gods and religious ceremonies. Alongside the manuscripts are symbols with information about the scenes.
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During the Spanish conquest while MesoAmerica was being colonized, it was common for manuscripts to be destroyed to enable the Spanish to mold indigenous life and society, according to the news release.
It wasn't until the late 18th century that reproductions began to emerge. However, exact copies reproduced through full-color-offset lithography were not prevalent until the 20th century.
The extensive collection holds more than 100 facsimiles of MesoAmerica's history. Also on display are several rare, limited edition and one-of-a-kind pieces.
A feature of the exhibit is the "C¢dice Boturini" that describes portions of history in the Mexican valley. Another piece on display is an Indian petition to the Spanish authorities asking for permission to expand irrigated land in the community.
The exhibit was organized by the UNM General Library's Division of Iberian and Latin American Resources and Services and will be up throughout the spring semester.
