Abstract

MORADO HERNANDEZ, Elías Israel. An Analytical Approach to the Florentine Codex through Auditory Perspectives. An. Inst. Investig. Estét [online]. 2025, vol.47, n.127, pp.11-46.  Epub Feb 13, 2026. ISSN 0185-1276.  https://doi.org/10.22201/iie.18703062e.2025.127.2917.

This article examines Bernardino de Sahagún’s Florentine Codex, employing an auditory approach to address the following questions: to what extent was listening essential to its creation? Which processes during the various stages were primarily guided by hearing? What audible imprints were left in its texts and images? These inquiries stem from the fact that, before becoming written expressions, the integrated testimonies were repositories of Indigenous memory, configured initially as songs. The article explores the challenges Sahagún faced in distinguishing the logical content of Nahuatl from the rhythmic, melodic, and timbral elements of native song. It discusses various manifestations of incomprehension and dismissal in his treatment of ancient songs, or cujcatl.

Keywords : Bernardino de Sahagún; General History of the Things of New Spain; Florentine Codex; Mexican ancient chants; indigenous music.

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