Mixtec Aztec Roll SELDEN ROLL
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Table of Contents Preface Interpretation
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Plate 1
Preface
Facsimile of codex from Mexico in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, original in roll form. A manuscript painted or drawn on a long and narrow strip composed of sheets of animal hide or paper.
Facsimile of a Mexican Hieroglyphic painting preserved in the Selden Collection of Manuscripts in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, United Kingdom, found in Antiquities of Mexico Comprising facsimiles of ancient Mexican paintings and hieroglyphics, edited by Viscount Edward King Kingsborough.
The Selden Roll is a 16th century Mexican manuscript painted roll from the Coixtlahuaca region, incorporating both Mixtec and Aztec elements, probably recording myths of the origin and migration of divine ancestors.
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Written on native amatl paper, this roll is painted only on one side. Suggested date of creation, post Spanish invasion.
The Selden Roll belonged to the English jurist John Selden, who died in 1654 and left his collection of books and manuscripts to the University of Oxford.
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Interpretation
Incomplete painted roll from the Coixtlahuaca region incorporates both Mixtec and Aztec elements. It apparently records myths of origin and the migratory journey of historical or mythical ancestors up to the time when early settlement begins. Lines of footprints are used to indicate movement of people. Dates are given according to the Mixtec calendar and temples are represented as plinths on a paved area, rather than great pyramids.
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The nine heavens.
And the dwelling place of the diving pair
Ometucuhthli and Omecuhatl (One Deer and One Deer)
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9 Plate1Creation
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