Lienzo de Tlaxcala / History of Tlaxcala: it is an illustrated codex produced in the second half of the sixteenth century, at the request of the town council of Tlaxcala. The manuscript highlights the religious, cultural, and military history of the Tlaxcaltec people. The aim of this type of documents was to claim favours and honours from the king, by means of highlighting the alliance and friendship with the Spaniards, as well as the military victories and prominance of the indigenous froces in the process of conquering the different territories. The Tlaxcaltec people were one of the indigenous people of America that were most favoured by the imperial elites, being privileged and elevated to the status of european nobility.
LAW XXXIX
D. Felipe II in Poblete on April 16, and in Zaragoza on March 25, 1585.
That the viceroys of New Spain honour and favour the Indians of Tlaxcala and their city and republic.
“Considering that the Indians of Tlaxcala were the first to receive the Holy Catholic Faith in New Spain, and they gave us obedience, and since the viceroys call them for burials, honours, and funerals of princes, reviews, aid and assitance in the needs that arise, and other public acts: It is our will, and we command the viceroys, that they have particular care to honour and favour them, and to call them on the occasions of our real service, and that they shall take much care of their city and republic, so that others may see the mercy we give them and serve us with the same fidelity”.
“A documented fact is that the Spaniards considered them [tlaxcaltecas] as allies in the conquest of the Mexica Empire. The Royal Decree of the Emperor Charles V in February 1537, in addition to calling the Tlaxcalteca "cousins” of his [the Emperor] (exclusive protocolar prerogative for the Spanish high nobility), praises their loyalty and tenacy to Cortés. It is a historical fact that the totality of the Tlaxcalan population was elevated to blood nobility (hidalguía) as a reward for their merits and services, as befits conquistadors" (Corona Páez, 2002)
For whatever reason the image appears blurry, but when accessing through my tumblr it improves a lot, it can also be enlarged.
