The Materiality of Color in Pre-Columbian Codices

Insights From Cultural History

Bibliographic Data

ID6034366
AuthorsÉlodie Dupey García (0000-0002-7975-5267, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, corresponding author)
Year2017
Volume28
Issue1
Pages21-40
Publication date2017-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAncient Mesoamerica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0956-5361 • E-ISSN: 1469-1787
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0956536116000493
OpenAlexW2596743756
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited21

This article explores the materiality of the colors of some Nahua codices from pre-Columbian Mexico, comparing data obtained from two bodies of evidence: scientific investigation—through macroscopic inspection and physicochemical studies—and historical accounts. In doing so, this article shows that the Colonial period literature contributes to the understanding of the creation process of the codices and their chromatic palettes, in particular regarding some coloring materials, the identification of which still remains a challenge for scientists. The comparison carried out in this article also elucidates certain aspects of the historical texts on Mesoamerican colors, which were previously poorly understood or misinterpreted

Aesthetics · Archaeology · Art · Colonial period · Colonialism · Sociology · Anthropology · Building materials and conservation · Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis · History · Latin American history and culture