Libros Pintados y Pieles Sagradas: Encuentro de Códices del Pasado y del Presente | Painted Books and Sacred Skins: A Gathering of Codices from the Past and Present

“Painted Books and Sacred Skins: A Gathering of Codices from the Past and Present” is an event that will take place on November 27, 28, and 29, 2024, in Puebla, Mexico. This gathering aims to bring together scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts to explore and celebrate codices as fundamental elements of Mesoamerican cultural heritage. Through a combination of exhibitions, workshops, and conferences, the event will offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the historical value and contemporary relevance of these ancient manuscripts.

Codices, also known as “painted books” or “sacred skins,” represent an invaluable cultural legacy, serving as repositories of knowledge, spirituality, and history for indigenous communities. During the event, attendees will be able to immerse themselves in the artistic techniques, iconography, and symbolic systems that brought these documents to life, as well as in modern efforts to reinterpret and preserve them. In this way, the gathering highlights not only their value as historical artifacts but also as living symbols of identity, resilience, and cultural continuity.

Organized by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the event will be hosted at venues such as the International Baroque Museum, the San Roque Cultural Center, and the Regional Museum of Puebla. Admission will be free, though space is limited, and those interested can find more information by contacting alberto_cuanal@inah.gob.mx.

This event reflects a collaborative effort between institutions such as MUREP, the Secretariat of Culture, IMACP, COPACAL, and The Americas Research Network. Thanks to this interdisciplinary cooperation, the gathering promises to be an enriching experience for anyone interested in art, history, anthropology, or cultural studies.