Crónica Mexicayotl: Debating the Authorship of a Colonial Mexican Manuscript
The Crónica Mexicayotl is a pivotal historical document, yet its origins have long been a subject of scholarly debate. The mystery centers on a conflict between the text's internal claims and its physical presentation: while the introduction explicitly names Tezozómoc as the author, the manuscript is written in the hand of Chimalpahin, who also includes personal additions throughout the work.
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Key Facts
- Primary Candidates: The authorship is contested between Tezozómoc and Chimalpahin.
- Physical Evidence: The document is written in Chimalpahin's handwriting and contains his personal notes.
- Internal Evidence: The introduction explicitly attributes the work to Tezozómoc.
- Related Works: The text is closely linked to the Spanish-language Crónica Mexicana and the hypothetical Crónica X.
- Timeline: Some scholars believe the original version was completed before 1581.
The Scholarly Debate on Authorship
Historians have proposed several theories to reconcile the discrepancy between the named author and the scribe.
The Copyist and Stylistic Theories
Joseph Marius Alexis Aubin suggested a straightforward explanation: Chimalpahin acted as a scribe, simply copying and annotating an original manuscript written by Tezozómoc. Paul Kirchoff offered a more nuanced view, noting a stylistic break between the first and second parts of the chronicle. He argued that Tezozómoc authored the first section, while Chimalpahin wrote the second.
The Original Work Theory
In contrast, Susan Schroeder proposed that the Crónica Mexicayotl was an original work by Chimalpahin. According to this theory, the introduction attributed to Tezozómoc was not actually an introduction to this specific chronicle, but rather an appendix to the Historia o Crónica Mexicana, which precedes the Crónica in the MS374 volume.
The Tezozómoc Primacy Theory
Scholars Peperstraete and Kruell disagree with Schroeder, asserting that Tezozómoc is the primary author. They base this on several points:
- The introduction is a proper introduction to the Crónica, not an appendix.
- The content focuses heavily on Tezozómoc's family, utilizing sources that likely only he could access.
- The Spanish-language Crónica Mexicana appears to be a translation of the Crónica Mexicayotl, suggesting Tezozómoc wrote both.
Peperstraete and Kruell further suggest that Tezozómoc may have utilized the Crónica X—a purported lost document of Mexican history—as a source. In this model, Chimalpahin's role was to copy the manuscript and intercalate (insert) additional parts into the existing text.
Chronology and Influence
The timing of the document's creation provides further clues. Peperstraete and Kruell argue that the original version of the Crónica Mexicayotl must have been elaborated before 1581. This conclusion is based on the belief that fray Diego Durán consulted the manuscript while preparing his own work, the History of the Indies of New Spain.
| Scholar | Proposed Author(s) | Role of Chimalpahin | Key Argument |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aubin | Tezozómoc | Copyist and annotator | Chimalpahin copied an original manuscript. |
| Kirchoff | Both | Author of the second part | Stylistic break between the first and second parts. |
| Schroeder | Chimalpahin | Primary author | Introduction is actually an appendix to another work. |
| Peperstraete & Kruell | Tezozómoc | Copyist and editor | Family-specific sources and link to Crónica Mexicana. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is credited as the author in the introduction?
The introduction of the document explicitly names Tezozómoc as the author.
Why is Chimalpahin associated with the document?
The manuscript is written in Chimalpahin's handwriting and contains additions where he mentions himself by name.
What is the Crónica X?
The Crónica X is a purported lost document of Mexican history that some scholars believe was used as a source by Tezozómoc and other authors.
How does the Crónica Mexicana relate to the Crónica Mexicayotl?
Some scholars argue that the Spanish-language Crónica Mexicana is essentially a translation of the Crónica Mexicayotl, supporting the theory that Tezozómoc authored both.
When was the Crónica Mexicayotl likely written?
Peperstraete and Kruell argue it was elaborated before 1581, as it may have been used by fray Diego Durán for his History of the Indies of New Spain.