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Title: Lee W. Lenz amate collection
Dates: 1944-2017
Collection Number: C.4
Creator/Collector:
Lenz, Lee W.
Extent: 3.7 linear feet (4 boxes)
Repository:
California Botanic Garden
Claremont, California 91711
Abstract: The collection contains Mexican amate paper crafts, objects associated with the manufacturing of amate paper, other traditional
Mexican handicrafts, and reference materials on papermaking. The collection was assembled by Lee W. Lenz, former director
of California Botanic Garden.
Language of Material: Multiple languages
The collection is open to research.
Copyright of the materials in this collection is held by California Botanic Garden.
Lee W. Lenz amate collection. California Botanic Garden
The collection was donated to California Botanical Garden by Lee W. Lenz in 2017. One book was donated by Sam Garcia in memory
of Lee W. Lenz in 2020.
Biography/Administrative History
Amate is a bark-based paper with origins in pre-Columbian Mexico. Originally used for religious purposes and in the creation
of codices, the Spanish attempted to eradicate indigenous papermaking practices during the colonial period. However, papermaking
knowledge and crafts survived among some indigenous groups, most notably the Otomi and Nahua. In the 20th century, there was
a resurgence of interest in amate paper crafts, with new commercial uses emerging in addition to traditional ritual purposes.
The collection was assembled by Lee W. Lenz (1915-2019), former director of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (now California
Botanic Garden). Some items in the collection were used for a 2017 California Botanic Garden Library exhibition.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection contains Mexican amate paper crafts (cut-outs and paintings), papermaking materials, and other handicrafts.
The names of creators, origins, and dates of creation of the crafts and papermaking materials are unknown in nearly every
case. The collection also includes reference materials on Mexican papermaking and materials for a 2017 California Botanic
Garden Library exhibition.
Indigenous art
Paper art
Amate paper
Cut-paper work
Books