Workshops

Madrid Codex with Link Structure Case

by Victoria Birth

The Madrid Codex is one of the most significant extant artifacts from the Central American world. This book served as an almanac and includes elements that provide insight into Mayan religious belief and astrological knowledge. Although its provenance is disputed, it is thought to have been produced sometime between 1250 and 1450 AD in the Yucatán region of modern-day Mexico. One of only three surviving Maya codices, this book not only illuminates Mayan culture, but also highlights the devastating effect European colonization had on not only Mayan society, but the cultures of other native Central American cultures. One of the charges Spanish colonizers were given when they came to the Americas was to convert the native peoples to Christianity. As part of this quest, Bishop Diego de Landa ordered the burning of their codices, and with that, significant knowledge concerning Maya culture was lost.

Pre-Columbian codices were generally constructed in the accordion style. This workshop will combine a facsimile of the Madrid Codex in its traditional accordion structure with a modern conservation structure designed by Latin American Book Artist Sol Rébora. This structure “links” new covers with original works allowing for a reversible connection and unlimited possibilities for decoration. We will use a combination of suede, Japanese tissue paper, and other decorative papers to offer a modern display of an ancient text.

Victoria Birth is a book conservator at Brigham Young University and owner of Birth Bindery & Press. She received her MFA in Book Arts from The University of Alabama in 2018. Prior to attending graduate school, she worked for the Collection Care team at the Church History Library where she developed a background in preservation and collections management. She makes fine bindings and artist books when she can find the time.