The interpretation of the scenes is based on that made by Burland,
C. A. in The Selden roll: an Ancient Mexican picture manuscript in
the Bodleian Library at Oxford (Berlin, 1955). This unfortunately
incomplete painted roll from the Coixtlahuaca region incorporates
both Mixtec and Aztec elements. It apparently records myths of
origin and the migratory journey of historical or mythical
ancestors up to the time when early settlement begins. Lines of
footprints are used to indicate movement of people. Dates are given
according to the Mixtec calendar (see also 'Codex Bodley', MS. Mex.
d. 1), and temples are represented as plinths on a paved area,
rather than great pyramids. Written on native amatl paper, this
roll is painted only on one side. Entirely non-European, but
post-Conquest.
