Screenfold

Definition

A screenfold is a type of Mesoamerican codex that consists of a series of interconnected pages made from materials like bark paper or animal skin, folded accordion-style. This format allowed for easy transport and storage while providing a flexible medium for writing and illustration. Screenfolds were used to record historical events, religious texts, and cultural knowledge, making them essential artifacts for understanding Mesoamerican civilizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Screenfolds were typically made from materials such as deer hide or fig bark, which were durable yet flexible, allowing for intricate designs and text.
2. The structure of screenfolds allowed for large amounts of information to be stored compactly, with both sides of the fold often utilized for writing or illustrations.
3. Mesoamerican cultures used screenfolds for various purposes including record-keeping, storytelling, religious rituals, and astronomical observations.
4. Unlike European books of the same period, which were usually bound, screenfolds maintained a unique folding format that reflected the cultural aesthetics and practical needs of Mesoamerican societies.
5. Screenfolds played a crucial role in preserving the histories and traditions of indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica, especially after the arrival of Europeans when many other forms of documentation were lost.

Review Questions

• How did the physical structure of screenfolds enhance their functionality in Mesoamerican societies?
  • The physical structure of screenfolds, with their accordion-style folding, provided enhanced functionality by allowing easy access to information on multiple panels while remaining portable. This design made it convenient for scribes and priests to carry essential records during ceremonies or travels. The flexibility of the materials also meant that they could be unfolded to display complex narratives or records, making them versatile tools for storytelling and documentation.
• Compare screenfolds with traditional European codices from the same historical period in terms of use and design.
  • Screenfolds differ significantly from traditional European codices in both use and design. While European codices were typically bound books that required a specific reading order, screenfolds allowed users to access various sections simultaneously due to their folding nature. This facilitated the display of pictorial narratives alongside written content, enhancing the visual aspect of storytelling. Additionally, while European texts often followed a linear narrative format, screenfolds could present multiple stories or records across different folds, reflecting a more dynamic approach to documentation.
• Evaluate the impact of screenfolds on our understanding of Mesoamerican culture and history after European contact.
  • The impact of screenfolds on our understanding of Mesoamerican culture and history post-European contact is profound. They serve as primary sources that provide insight into pre-Columbian life, belief systems, and governance. Many screenfolds contain information that counters Eurocentric narratives by showcasing indigenous perspectives on events such as colonization. Additionally, they highlight the continuity of cultural practices despite external pressures, revealing how communities adapted their documentation methods. Overall, screenfolds are vital for reconstructing a more nuanced understanding of the past.

Related terms

Codex: A codex is an ancient manuscript book composed of multiple pages that can be turned, often written in hieroglyphics or other scripts, and used in various cultures including the Mesoamericans.

Pictography: Pictography is a form of writing that uses images or symbols to convey meaning, often found in Mesoamerican codices where illustrations complement written text.

Maya Glyphs: Maya glyphs are the written symbols used by the ancient Maya civilization, found in their codices and inscriptions, representing both phonetic sounds and logograms.