From Mesoamerican Codices to Twentieth-Century Otomí Artists’ Books: Amate Papers in Rare Book Libraries and Special Collections Departments

Abstract

Amate, a proto-paper traditionally made from the inner bark of trees from the Moraceae family of flowering plants, has an extensive history with origins in ancient Mesoamerican cultures from the region of present-day Mexico. In the 1500s, Spanish invasion of the region prompted rapid cultural loss and transformation resulting in devastating consequences, including the systematic destruction of Indigenous books. To further suppress Indigenous cultures, Spanish authorities prohibited the production of amate and replaced it with European papers. However, the tradition of creating amate survived, was passed down through generations, and remained significant among Indigenous communities of Mexico. In the twentieth century, amate became a popular substrate for paintings, artists’ books, and bookbindings. Because of amate’s fragility, uniqueness, and hand-made nature, many rare book libraries and special collections departments own various significant manuscripts and documents composed of it. This article examines amate at ten such collections and provides suggestions for related future outreach and exhibitions. From Mesoamerican codices to twentieth-century Otomi artists’ books, amate materials provide opportunities to promote meaningful community engagement, enhance collective expertise, preserve cultural heritage, and enrich researchers’ understandings of the book- and paper-making practice in Mesoamerica and Mexico.