CNR ISPC at the University of Toronto for the “Hidden Stories” project

In August 2025, KNOT took part in an international research workshop at the University of Toronto within the framework of the “Hidden Stories” project (https://hiddenstories.library.utoronto.ca/our-story), an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to the study of Indigenous and Mesoamerican books and materials held in North American collections. Representing KNOT, David Buti of CNR ISPC contributed to a three-days programme focused on the Techialoyan codex Axoloapan Xoloctlan, a late 17th century Nahuatl manuscript, now preserved at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library.

The visit is part of KNOT’s dissemination and knowledge-exchange activities, aimed at sharing the project’s methodological framework for the non-invasive study of cultural heritage materials. During dedicated sessions, David presented KNOT’s approach to integrating scientific imaging and materials analysis with historical and community-based research, showing how these methods can be applied to Mesoamerican manuscripts to better understand their production, use and cultural meaning.

A central aspect of the discussions was KNOT’s commitment to collaborative and ethically grounded research, including close engagement with Indigenous and source communities. This perspective was shared with the Hidden Stories team and with colleagues working on the Techialoyan codices, highlighting how scientific investigation of pigments, fibres and supports can be developed in dialogue with community knowledge and historical traditions.

Hands-on work with the Axoloapan Xoloctlan manuscript allowed participants to carry out a detailed study through close visual inspection and the use of a digital microscope, alongside the examination of multispectral images acquired during a preliminary imaging campaign.

KNOT’s participation in the Toronto workshop strengthened international collaborations around Mesoamerican heritage and contributed to building a shared methodological foundation for future projects.