The Aztec codices were pictorial manuscripts created by pre-Columbian and colonial-era Nahuatl speakers in what is now central Mexico. These codices were made from stretched deerskin or plant fiber paper (amatl) and then painted with natural pigments. The codices contain mythological, religious, and historical subject matter recorded in sophisticated pictorial and glyphic writing systems. Many Aztec codices were destroyed during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century. However, a handful of pre-Hispanic and colonial-era Aztec codices have survived. These precious documents provide insight into Aztec culture, religion, politics, and history before and after the arrival of the Spanish.
The colors used in the surviving Aztec codices reveal information about the natural pigments available in Mesoamerica. By analyzing the hues, archaeologists have identified the likely plant and mineral sources of the pigments. The vibrant colors seen in codices such as the Codex Borgia, Codex Borbonicus, and Codex Mendoza help bring the manuscripts to life and were integral to their ritual and symbolic functions.
Pigments Used in Aztec Codices
The Aztec made paints and inks from natural sources in their local environment. Their pigments came from plants, insects, and minerals that produced a vivid color palette. Here are some of the pigment sources identified in surviving Aztec codices:
Achiote – The seeds of the achiote plant (Bixa orellana) were used to make a bright red pigment. Achiote is native to tropical America and grows well in Mesoamerica.
Cochineal – A brilliant red dye was extracted from a scale insect called cochineal (Dactylopius coccus). The insects feed on prickly pear cacti in Mexico.
Aztec Marigold – Yellow pigments came from the flowers of the Aztec marigold (Tagetes erecta), which is native to Mexico.
Indigo – The indigo plant (Indigofera suffruticosa) was the source of blue pigments. It is native to the tropics of the Americas.
Maya Blue – A unique turquoise blue pigment made from indigo mixed with palygorskite, a mineral clay.
Iron Oxides – Red and yellow ochre pigments derived from iron oxide minerals.
Magnetite – A black pigment made from the iron oxide mineral magnetite.
Carbon Black – Soot or charcoal used to produce black inks.
By using natural plant dyes, mineral pigments, and innovations like Maya blue, Aztec artists could produce codices in brilliant polychrome with reds, yellows, blues, greens, blacks, and whites.
Color Symbolism
The choice of colors in Aztec codices was not accidental or arbitrary. Each hue carried specific symbolic meanings and connotations. Colors amplified the iconography and glyphs by communicating additional layers of significance.
Red – The color of blood and sacrifice, red symbolized life force, sacrifice, war, and warriors. Red often dominates Aztec codices.
Blue – Represented turquoise, jade, water, wetness, and the heavens. Blue-green shades were strongly tied to the rain god Tlaloc.
Yellow – Embodied gold, maize, vegetation, flowers and hope. Connected to the sun god Tonatiuh.
Black – Signified death, the underworld, obscurity, and the night. Black was closely associated with gods of death and the underworld.
White – The color of bones and depictions of skeletal and death gods. Also symbolized purity, divinity, and preciousness.
By interpreting the color symbolism, the stories and ceremonies contained in the codices take on deeper meanings and insights into Aztec worldviews. The relationship between images, glyphs, and colors helped communicate complex religious concepts.
Notable Aztec Codices
Most Aztec codices were destroyed in the 16th century, but a few remarkable examples have survived. These primary sources showcase the sophisticated artistry and vivid pigments used by Aztec scribes and artisans.
Codex Borgia – Likely created in the 14th or 15th century from deerhide. Its 86 vibrant pages depict gods, rituals, calendars, and mythology. The Codex Borgia utilizes a wide palette of red, yellow, green, blue, brown, black, and white.
Codex Borbonicus – Made after the Spanish conquest from European paper, it shows both Aztec and Spanish influences. Its 39 pages contain almanacs, rituals, deities, and beliefs rendered in expressive colors.
Codex Mendoza – Created around 1541 on Spanish paper, it utilizes Aztec pictorial traditions to record history and tribute lists. Its blues and magentas demonstrate Spanish influence.
Florentine Codex – Produced 1540-1585 by Bernardino de Sahagún and Aztec artists. Its 2,400 pages in 12 books compile ethnographic information on Aztec life in full, vivid color.
These surviving codices and the evidence of their pigments provide a window into the Aztecs’ complex system of colors and its meanings. Though invaded by the Spanish, indigenous traditions endured in the post-conquest codices through their colorful artistry and iconography.
