Pintura del beneficio dela grana cochinilla en Mexico [manuscript].

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Edward E. Ayer Collection (Newberry Library), owner.

Language:

Spanish

Subjects (All):

Cochineal insect--Mexico--Early works to 1800.

Cochineal insect.

Prickly pears--Mexico--Early works to 1800.

Prickly pears.

Manuscripts, Spanish--Mexico.

Manuscripts, Spanish.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (8 unnumbered leaves) : illustrations.

Production:

[Mexico? : producer not identified, approximately 1775]

Summary:

From the Newberry Library Catalogue: [8] leaves, bound (last leaf blank) : col. ill. (watercolors) ; 31 cm. Unsigned, undated illustrated ms., probably from Mexico, possibly from around 1775, documenting the planting, cultivation, and harvesting of the prickly pear or nopal cactus in Mexico for the production of cochineal dye. Twelve large watercolor scenes illustrate the annual cycle of planting, cultivating, and harvesting the nopal cactus, beginning in December and January with the propagation of new plants using pieces pruned from mature plants. In March and April, the cochineal insects are placed on the new cactus plants to develop, and are harvested in August and September. The cycle begins anew with the pruning and replanting of the nopals in December. The watercolors, within ruled and/or decorated watercolor frames, are arranged vertically, two to a page; numbered captions, also within ruled compartments, run vertically along the right margin of each page.

Notes:

AM reference: VAULT Ayer MS 2178

Indigenous Histories and Cultures in North America was originally published in 2013, as American Indian Histories and Cultures. The title was changed in 2024.

Description based on publisher-supplied metadata (viewed January 24, 2024).