A codex (plural codices) is the technical name for an ancient book or manuscript, specifically one that was published before Joseph Gutenberg's invention and popularization of the printing press in the mid-15th century. The most famous codices are those of the Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Maya and Aztec.

The photo on this blog is that of a facsimile of the Aztec Codex Borbonicus, and it is a book of compiled monthly rituals and ceremonies celebrating certain deities. The original codex was made early in the 16th century, made of amatl paper (the beaten bark of the amatl plant) and painted with pigments derived from wild holly root, red juniper root, prickly pear cactus and red onion skin. The original is at the Bibliothèque de l'Assemblée Nationale, Paris; this facsimile is on display at the Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico. You can get your own copy of the Codex Borbonicus from the Mesoamerican Heritage Institute by following this link to the Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies, Inc. (FAMSI) More Information:

• Questions and Answers about Borbonicus Codex, Chicana and Chicano Space
• Thumbnail Images of the Borbonicus Codex, at FAMSI
• The Examination and Conservation Treatment of the Library of Congress Harkness 1531 Huejotzingo Codex, which is an interesting paper on another Aztec codex by Sylvia Rodgers Albro & Thomas C. Albro
• Aztec Civilization
• Ancient Writing Systems

The photo of the Borbonicus Codex was taken by Shaun Che. Thanks to Sandra Olsen of FAMSI and Lloyd Anderson for assistance in identifying this document.