The Mixtec Pictorial Manuscripts: Time, Agency and Memory in Ancient Mexico (Early Americas: History and Culture, 1)

The Mixtec civilization (of Oaxaca, Mexico) is one of the most interesting to survive from pre-colonial Mesoamerica. Among its characteristic products were highly artistic pictographic codices depicting the history and dynasties of its city-states. This handbook surveys and describes the illustrated Mixtec manuscripts that survive in Europe, the United States and Mexico, outlines the history of their decipherment, current questions, discussions and methodologies relating to readings, social organisation, religion and historical drama, and surveys the six centuries of Mixtec history covered in the texts. Pt. 1. Ñee ñuhu Sanaha : The Ancient Books. Introduction To Mixtec Pictography ; Treasures From Ancient Libraries ; Rediscovery And Decipherment ; Contemporary Studies And Discussions -- Pt. 2. Tnuni Taniño : Signs And Symbols. Post Colonial Hermeneutics ; Acts And Visions ; Memory Landscape -- Pt. 3. Yaa Tnuhu : Dynastic History. Foundation Narratives ; The Noble Houses ; Colonial Transformation -- Conclusion. Ñuu Tayu : The Sovereign Community. Political And Ideological Dynamics. By Maarten E.r.g.n. Jansen, Gabina Aurora Perez Jimenez. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [531]-560) And Index.