Dresden Codex

El Códice de Dresde: Un título emblemático en nuestra serie de libros ilustrados

In our dedication to presenting America’s rich heritage visually, and particularly in deep knowledge of the Mayan civilization, we have made this edition of the Dresden Codex a representative symbol of this great culture.

Description and background

The Dresden Codex, also known as Codex Dresdensis, is a Mayan manuscript dating from the eleventh or twelfth century. It is believed to be the copy of an original text from about three or four hundred years earlier.
This codex consists of 39 leaves and has played a key role in deciphering Mayan glyphs. It is on display in the museum of the Saxon State Library in Dresden, Germany.

History

From its purchase in 1739 by Johann Christian Götze, its publication by Alexander of Humboldt in 1810, to its identification as a Mayan manuscript in 1853, the Dresden Codex has had a rich and fascinating history. Between 1880 and 1900, it was possible to decipher the section of the calendar, including the Mayan numerals used in the codex.
Despite its damage during the bombing of Dresden in World War II, the codex was meticulously restored.

Detailed description

Made of amate paper and with a total length of 3.56 meters, the Dresden Codex is the most complete of the four Mayan codices considered authentic. It was written by six different scribes and contains images painted with extraordinary clarity.
The codex includes precise astronomical tables, ritual schedules, instructions on New Year’s ceremonies, and descriptions related to the rain deity. Its content ranges from almanacs for agriculture to the great flood, representing a cosmic disaster.

Sequence of pages and content

The current presentation of the Dresden Codex is complex, with a historically correct order of reading and a division into ten chapters. It contains a variety of topics, from the lunar deity and tablets of Venus to k’atun prophecies and the ceremonies of the beginning of the new year.

The Dresden Codex

In our collection of illustrated books, we consider the Dresden Codex to be an emblematic work representing the sophistication and cultural legacy of the Maya. We have chosen this title and have used images from this codex for the covers of our books, as it is a significant piece in the visual representation of America and in the deep understanding of the Mayan culture. Its rich history and detailed content make the Dresden Codex a vital piece in our collection, celebrating the art and wisdom of an ancient civilization.

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