The Graduale Dominicale will be restored in Oaxaca

Oaxaca, Oax., El Gradual Dominicala book printed in 1565, contains liturgical songs from that time and was one of the first texts to be printed in New Spain by the artist Antonio de Espinosa. In the country there is a record of two pieces, kept in the state of Oaxaca, one of which will be restored by the Fray Francisco de Burgoa Library.

With this objective, the authorities of Santa María Tiltepec, municipal agency of San Pedro Topiltepec, in the Mixteca region, delivered the 16th century document to said institution on Tuesday.

For the director of the library, María Isabel Grañén Porrúa, the value of this book is incalculable, not only because of the work done by Antonio de Espinosa, but also because of the age and good condition in which it is found, which is due to the affection and responsibility of the residents of Tiltepec.

Grañén Porrúa highlighted that the restoration will be carried out at no cost, in addition to the fact that the municipal authorities went to the workshop to have the work that will be carried out explained to them; He even said that they can come at any time to witness the process.

He added that the book is made on linen rag paper of European origin, printed in two inks (black and red), and that its contents were sung during the liturgies.

He insisted that in Mexico only two copies are known to exist and that unfortunately other copies disappeared due to the lack of knowledge of the people who did not take care of them or due to earthquakes or fires.

For her part, María del Refugio Gutiérrez, restorer of the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, belonging to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), explained that this specimen must be thoroughly analyzed in order to determine the route for its restoration.

He indicated that among its characteristics the impact of the press used by Antonio de Espinosa can be seen on each page, which must be maintained. The text, he added, no longer has at least two pages and, as it is not bound, it will be important to do research to know what technique to use.

René Pérez Santiago, municipal agent of Tiltepec, thanked the library, INAH and the Alfredo Harp Helú Foundation for their support in preserving this book; Likewise, he specified that the community has more ancient texts that require attention.

He pointed out that for them these specimens represent the history of the community and the knowledge they contain must be inherited to new generations, so children must know them, hence the importance of their restoration.