atoctli (Mdz29r)

The color of paint used for this soil is about the same as what was typically used in this manuscript for soil, pottery, and wood. The black dots are suggestive of sand (xalli), small stones mixed in the soil, or seeds that have been planted. The scalloped edges of the circular shape for this sign give the impression of a cloud of dust, but humid soil would not likely take that form. This humidity is flagged by the "a" (from atl, water) at the start of the word (but not shown vitually). The second syllable (-toc) may come from the verb to plant (toca) or, more likely, from the maize plant or stalk (toctli)m which grows out of the soil in the compound glyph. The fertility of this soil is also underscored by the maize plant, which has produced two ears of corn, one red and one yellow, five leaves, and a yellow blossom at the top.