Review by Choice Review
Codex Zouche-Nuttall, one of eight surviving Mixtec codices, depicts a unique kind of ethnographic history incorporating the subjectivity of Native Americans. Unlike earlier scholars, Williams (doctoral student in anthropology, Univ. of Texas, Austin) shows that the calendar information in the codex is far from purely metaphorical; for instance, the codex depicts information about Mixtec foundation rites and a strategic alliance, protective agreements, and political marriages. In the book's first part, Williams explains history, geography, narrative structure, and Mesoamerican iconography in relation to the codex. In the second part, Williams focuses on the history of Lord Eight of Suchixtlan (935-1027 CE) as a semi-divine king. Finally, Williams compares the codex with other manuscripts and discusses the historical, chronological, and ceremonial events represented in the codex. Biographical sketches of major personages, notes, and calendrical and historical information appear in appendixes. Williams argues that the codex is primarily a document recording ceremonies as well as the histories of these ceremonies, validating Mixtec ideology or how the people validated themselves and viewed their social and political universe--a combination of history and the timelessness of myth. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. R. A. Santillan Medgar Evers College, CUNY
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
