Romances de los señores de Nueva España: A Treasure of Nahuatl Poetry
The Romances de los señores de Nueva España (Spanish for "Ballads of the Lords of New Spain") stands as a vital 16th-century compilation of Nahuatl songs and poems. This manuscript provides a rare window into the lyrical traditions of the indigenous peoples of Mexico, preserving the artistic and cultural voice of a civilization in transition.
Currently preserved in the Benson Latin American Collection at the University of Texas, the manuscript is more than just a collection of poetry. It also contains a Spanish-language text known as the Geographical Relation of Tezcoco, written in 1582 by Juan Bautista Pomar. It is widely believed that Pomar was also the individual responsible for compiling the Romances.
Key Facts
- Origin: 16th-century compilation of Nahuatl songs and poems.
- Primary Source: Most songs originate from Tetzcoco.
- Key Figure: Several poems are attributed to the ruler Nezahualcoyotl.
- Associated Text: Includes the 1582 Geographical Relation of Tezcoco by Juan Bautista Pomar.
- Current Location: Benson Latin American Collection, University of Texas.
Literary Origins and Connections
The heart of the collection lies in Tetzcoco, a major cultural center of the time. Many of the songs are attributed to Nezahualcoyotl, the renowned philosopher-king and ruler of Tetzcoco. The significance of these works is further highlighted by the fact that several of the songs appear, with slight variations, in the Cantares Mexicanos, another essential collection of indigenous lyric poetry.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Academic Publication and Translation History
For centuries, these texts remained in manuscript form until they were brought to a wider academic audience. In 1964, Ángel María Garibay K. published the Nahuatl text alongside a Spanish translation and the Geographical Relation as the first volume of Poesía nahuatl.
English-speaking scholars and readers gained deeper access to the work through subsequent translations:
- John Bierhorst: In 2010, the University of Texas Press published Bierhorst's first full English prose translation, which included a paleographic transcription (the process of converting old handwriting into modern typed text) of the original Nahuatl. This is now available as an e-text.
- David Bowles: In 2013, Bowles published English verse versions of selected songs in Flower, Song, Dance: Aztec and Mayan Poetry via Lamar University Press. Additionally, Bowles has shared annotated English translations with normalized Nahuatl texts on Medium under the title Songs of the Lords of Anahuac.
Summary of Key Works and Contributors
| Contributor/Author | Work/Contribution | Year | Format/Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juan Bautista Pomar | Geographical Relation of Tezcoco | 1582 | Spanish text within manuscript |
| Ángel María Garibay K. | Poesía nahuatl (Vol 1) | 1964 | Nahuatl text and Spanish translation |
| John Bierhorst | English Prose Translation | 2010 | Includes paleographic transcription |
| David Bowles | Flower, Song, Dance | 2013 | English verse versions |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Romances de los señores de Nueva España?
It is a 16th-century manuscript containing a collection of songs and poems written in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs and other peoples of central Mexico.
Who is believed to have compiled the manuscript?
Juan Bautista Pomar, who wrote the Geographical Relation of Tezcoco in 1582, is the likely compiler of the Romances.
Which historical figure is associated with these songs?
Many of the songs are attributed to Nezahualcoyotl, the ruler of Tetzcoco.
Where is the original manuscript kept?
The original manuscript is preserved in the Benson Latin American Collection at the University of Texas.
How can I find English translations of these poems?
English translations are available through John Bierhorst's 2010 prose translation and David Bowles' verse versions in "Flower, Song, Dance" or his "Songs of the Lords of Anahuac" series on Medium.