Missionaries' Beasts in New Spain: The Utilization of the European Bestiary Tradition in Sahagún's Florentine Codex
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Date
2010-09
Authors
Kilian, Laura Elizabeth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Friar Bernardino de Sahagún's Historia general de las cosas de la Nueva Espana,
more commonly known as the Florentine Codex, begun in 1558, is arguably the most
comprehensive source of information concerning the pre-colonial and colonial
indigenous cultures of New Spain. This compilation, produced both by Sahagún and
indigenous aides, documents the convergence of Aztec and European cultures. As such it
represents the hybrid nature of colonial culture and is best approached from an
understanding of both its European and Aztec influences. It is the aim of this thesis to
consider the Florentine Codex, and Book Eleven ("Earthly Things") specifically, in the
context of the European bestiary tradition. This thesis will illuminate Sahagún's role as a
Franciscan missionary and the ways in which he utilized Aztec animal imagery syncretically, for the purpose of evangelization. Analysis takes the form of case studies
concerning the jaguar, birds, and serpents.
Description
ix, 115 p. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.
Keywords
Sahagun, Bernardino de, d. 1590. Historia general de las cosas de Nueva Espana, Historia general de las cosas de Nueva Espana, Codice florentino, Florentine codex