
Abstract
The Book of the Chilam Balam of Chumayel is a late 18th-century manuscript copy of a Yucatec Maya chronicle, written and illustrated
in Chumayel, Yucatán. The text chronicles the Spanish conquest of the Yucatán and provides information about the prophecy
of Chilam Balam, the calendar, astronomy, the creation of the world, rituals, and other subjects.
Access Images in Collection:
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Additional Retrieval Options:
- - print, Manuscripts Division, Dept. of Rare Books and Special Collections, Princeton University Library. [Call Number: c0940]
Catalog Record
Collection Information
- Uniform Title:
- Chilam Balam de Chumayel (Manuscript).
- Alternative Title:
- Book of the Chilam Balam of Chumayel : [between 1775 and 1800].
- Publication / Origin:
- ca. 1775 – 1800.
- Abstract:
- Manuscript, written and illustrated in Chumayel, Yucatán, probably dates to the late 18th century, cf. Edmondson, Berrera,
and Roys. Concerns the history of the conquest of the Yucatán by the Spaniards. Includes the ritual of the four world-quarters;
the rise of Hunac Ceel to power; a prophecy for Katun 11-Ahau; the building of the mounds; memoranda concerning the history
of Yucatán; notes on the calendar; the amorial bearings of Yucatán; notes on astronomy; the interrogation of the chiefs;
the creation of the world; the rituals of the angels; a song of the Itza; the creation of the uinal; a history of the Spanish
conquest; the prophecy of Chilam Balam and the story of Antonio Martinez; a chapter of questions and answers; an incantation;
a series of Katun-prophecies; chronicles; a book of Katun-prophecies; the last judgement; prophecies of a new religion, cf.
Roys. There are inscriptions in Spanish and a native language throughout (1832-1838), including names,
places, and dates. For example "Chumayel Junio 28. de 1838 Chilam Balam [por Pedro Bristano].
- Subjects:
- Mayas — Antiquities.
- Mayas — History.
- Mayas — Religion.
- Maya language — Texts.
- Manuscripts, Maya — 19th century.
- Medium / Genre:
- Paper.
- Manuscripts, Maya -- 19th century.
- Notes:
- Layout: 1 column, 32 lines.
- Decoration: 27 leaves of illustration ranging from full-page drawings (in brown ink and red ink wash) to smaller ones on a
portion of a textual page.