X
MOV File
Online Collections

codices


Details
Term Type

Art & Architecture Thesaurus

Preferred Term

codices

Details

Ancient manuscripts generally taking the form of the modern book: bound leaves of paper or parchment with information inscribed on both faces. Most often they are comprised of Christian scripture or ancient classics. The term is also extended to manuscripts of Pre-Columbian American cultures. These latter codices are usually in the form of single long sheets of accordion-folded amatl paper or deerskin. For books that are printed rather than inscribed, before 1501, use 'incunabula.'

Variations

codices (Mesoamerican)

codex

Broader Term

manuscripts

Related Events
Related People
Related Literature
Related Terms
Related Artworks
Media
IMLS logoNEA logoNEH logo

The Portland Art Museum’s Online Collections site is brought to you thanks to support provided by the State of Oregon through its second Culture, History, Arts, Movies, and Preservation funding program and generous awards from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts.