The Codex Borgia is probably one of the most beautiful preserved old American illuminated manuscripts. The predominant content of the manuscript deals with calendar sooth-saying, as well as the knowledge of time-lapse and yearly time through the temple scholars. Fantastic illustrations of groups of figures and mysterious Gods animate the 78 illustrated pages of the manuscript. In addition one also finds the most amazing rituals from the grand Aztec empire, which is particularly fascinating because they are rituals of a primarily private and personal character.
The ms describes the indigenous calendar (260 days) of the ritual cycle and predictive, connecting the different names of days, deites and rituals with a favorable destiny depending on the birthday, names and other factors. Used by palace diviners and curers as a means of invoking the prophecies of the gods.
The Codex Borgia is completely unique amongst the group of old and preserved Mexican manuscripts due to its description of the great “national” temple rituals. The spiritual acts provide witness to the seemingly strange world of old Mexico before its destruction by the Spanish Conquistadors.
The wealth of information which guides us through the pages of this splendiferous manuscript is inexhaustible. The great wisdom of the old priest scholars is depicted by showing their ultimate achievement. The drawings demonstrate a deep intimate design as well as the artistic accomplishment of the painter. In completing this old Mexican manuscript, the painter shares with us an insight into a magnificent and extinct culture.
We have 3 facsimiles of the manuscript "Codex Borgia":
- Códice Borgia facsimile edition published by Egeria, S.L.
- Codex Borgia facsimile edition published by Akademische Druck- u. Verlagsanstalt (ADEVA), 1976
- Códice Borgia facsimile edition published by Testimonio Compañía Editorial, 2008