Chalca (Azca9)

This compound glyph representing the Chalca (i.e., the people of Chalco, sometimes called a calpulli (in this case, an ethnic group associated with migration). The calpulli name glyph can also double as a place name. The glyph features a building (perhaps meant to be a tecpan, or ruling palace) in profile, open to the right, and representing the place, Chalco. The building is clearly made from bricks (probably adobe but given a red color). The platform or foundation and the roof both have white horizontal construction. The T-shaped entrance has yellow or golden beams, probably wooden. The glyphic element on the top of the building is a vertical red leather thong with two jade (chalchihuitl) beads. These beads are a tan color, but they should be a green. The upper tip of the thong is bifurcated, something like a serpent's tongue. The lower bead is somewhat larger than the upper one.