An analytical study of the Huexotzinco Codex using X-ray fluorescence, fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy, and portable Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy

Heritage Science

Mary Elizabeth Haude¹  Tana Elizabeth Villafana²  Amanda Satorius² 

[1] Conservation Division, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE, 20540, Washington, DC, USA;Preservation Research and Testing Division, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE, 20540, Washington, DC, USA;

关键词: Mesoamerican codices;    Huexotzinco Codex;    Fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy;    X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy;    Portable infrared spectroscopy;    Non-destructive analysis;    Pigment identification;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40494-021-00524-1

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

The Huexotzinco Codex is one of the earliest surviving manuscripts from the early colonial period of Mexico. The codex pertains to the legal case of conquistador Hernán Cortés and contains paintings and documents detailing the seizure of Cortés’ personal properties and over-taxation of his Huexotzincan allies by the colonial government in New Spain (present-day Mexico). Eight paintings within the manuscript were subjected to non-invasive analytical techniques revealing the pigment palette and production methodology. The findings of this study show a mixture of pre- and colonial codex production practices as well a unique Maya blue formulation and the identification of a silicate material used as a matrix for an organic yellow dye.

【 授权许可】

CC BY