In Mayan culture, a codex was a type of book or manuscript that was used to record important information, including historical events, religious rituals, astronomical observations, and genealogies. Mayan codices were created by folding long strips of bark paper or animal skins into accordion-like pages and then applying a layer of lime-based plaster to create a smooth writing surface. The pages were then filled with hieroglyphic texts and intricate illustrations depicting various aspects of Mayan life. Mayan codices were highly valued and served as repositories of knowledge, often held in sacred places such as temples or royal courts. They played a crucial role in preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the Mayan civilization.