The Mexica scribes, called tlamatinime in Nahuatl, were among the most respected figures in Mexica society, and they shaped the cultural, religious, and administrative life of the Mexica state. The training of the scribes was a long and demanding process, and the scribes underwent years of apprenticeship before they were allowed to produce codices on their own. The scribes were trained in the calmecac, the school for the sons of the nobility and for those being trained for the priesthood.
The Early Training
The training of the Mexica scribes began in childhood, and it was a long and demanding process. The future scribes were selected from the sons of the nobility, and they were required to undergo a series of tests before they were admitted to the calmecac. The tests included the memorization of the day signs, the recitation of the prayers, and the demonstration of skill in the use of the codices.
The early training focused on the basic skills of the writing system, including the recognition of the glyphs, the use of the colors, and the composition of the elements. The future scribes were also required to memorize the calendar, since the calendar was an essential part of the Mexica writing system.
The Apprenticeship
After the initial training, the Mexica scribes underwent a long period of apprenticeship, in which they worked under the supervision of senior scribes. The apprenticeship typically lasted for several years, and it involved the production of codices, the recording of historical events, and the performance of the religious rituals. The apprentices were required to demonstrate their skill in the use of the writing system, and they were required to master the techniques of the production of the codices.
The apprenticeship shaped the Mexica educational system, and it was a way of ensuring the quality of the scribes. The apprentices were required to learn from the senior scribes, and they were required to follow the conventions of the Mexica writing system. The senior scribes were responsible for the training of the apprentices, and they had the power to remove the apprentices from the program if they were not making progress.
The Tools and Materials
The Mexica scribes used a wide range of tools and materials in their work, and the training included the mastery of these tools and materials. The most important tools were the brushes, which were made of animal hair, and the inks, which were made from various plant and mineral materials. The most important materials were the bark paper, the deer hide, and the maguey fiber, which were used to make the codices.
The scribes were also trained in the techniques of the production of the codices, including the preparation of the surfaces, the application of the inks, and the binding of the pages. The training was thorough, and the scribes were required to master all aspects of the production of the codices.
The Role of the Scribes
The Mexica scribes shaped the cultural, religious, and administrative life of the Mexica state. The scribes were responsible for the recording of the historical, religious, and administrative information of the Mexica state, and they shaped the cultural and political life of the empire. The scribes were also responsible for the training of new scribes, and they had a monopoly on the production of the codices.
The scribes had their own organization, with senior scribes supervising the work of the junior scribes, and they had their own patron deity. The scribes enjoyed considerable privileges, including the right to certain ornaments and the right to attend the principal religious festivals. The scribes were also important in the diplomatic system, and they often served as the principal envoys of the Mexica state in their dealings with foreign powers.
Related Articles
- Writing, Glyphs, and Codices — the broader context
- How did the Aztec writing system work? — the mechanics
- What are Aztec glyphs and how do you read them? — the elements
- Education in Aztec Civilization — the training
- Historical Codices and Sources on the Aztecs — the documents
- Aztec Art, Architecture, and Science — the broader context