The Selden Roll: A Rare Glimpse into Early Colonial Mexican History
The Selden Roll is a remarkable 16th-century painted roll from Mexico that serves as a bridge between the ancient traditions of Mesoamerica and the early colonial era. Originating from the Coixtlahuaca region, this manuscript is a sophisticated blend of artistic and cultural influences, combining both Mixtec and Aztec elements to document the spiritual and ancestral history of its people.
Unlike traditional books, this manuscript is a roll, a format used to record complex narratives. Scholars believe the roll likely documents the myths surrounding the origin and migration of divine ancestors, providing a window into the cosmological beliefs of the region during a period of immense transition.
Key Facts
- Origin: Coixtlahuaca region, Mexico.
- Date: 16th century.
- Cultural Influence: A hybrid of Mixtec and Aztec elements.
- Current Location: Bodleian Library, University of Oxford.
- Primary Subject: Myths of divine ancestor origin and migration.
Provenance and Preservation
The manuscript takes its name from John Selden, a prominent English jurist. Upon his death in 1654, Selden bequeathed his extensive collection of books and manuscripts to the University of Oxford. Today, the roll is meticulously preserved at the Bodleian Library under the shelfmark MS. Arch. Selden. A. 72 (3).
In 2015, the Bodleian Library brought the manuscript to public attention through a specialized exhibition titled "The Roll of the New Fire (Selden Roll): Painting from Early Colonial Mexico," highlighting its significance as a piece of early colonial art.
The Bodleian's Mesoamerican Collection
The Selden Roll is not the only treasure of its kind in Oxford. The Bodleian Library houses a significant collection of Mesoamerican codices—traditional manuscripts from pre-Columbian and early colonial Mexico. In addition to the Selden Roll, the library holds the Codex Bodley, Codex Laud, Codex Mendoza, and Codex Selden.
| Manuscript Name | Origin/Region | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Selden Roll | Coixtlahuaca, Mexico | 16th-century painted roll; Mixtec and Aztec elements |
| Codex Bodley | Mesoamerica | Part of the Bodleian collection |
| Codex Laud | Mesoamerica | Part of the Bodleian collection |
| Codex Mendoza | Mesoamerica | Part of the Bodleian collection |
| Codex Selden | Mesoamerica | Part of the Bodleian collection |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Selden Roll?
The Selden Roll is a 16th-century painted manuscript from the Coixtlahuaca region of Mexico that blends Mixtec and Aztec artistic styles to record myths of divine ancestors.
Where is the Selden Roll located today?
It is held at the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, where it is cataloged as MS. Arch. Selden. A. 72 (3).
Who was John Selden?
John Selden was an English jurist who died in 1654 and left his personal collection of manuscripts and books to the University of Oxford.
What does the Selden Roll depict?
The manuscript is believed to record the myths regarding the origin and migration of divine ancestors.
What other Mesoamerican manuscripts are at the Bodleian Library?
Along with the Selden Roll, the library holds the Codex Bodley, Codex Laud, Codex Mendoza, and Codex Selden.