Chalco (Mdz41r)

The glyphs representing Chalco vary somewhat, and the chalchihuitl can be combined with the compound glyph for Atenco (see below, right). The external patterns seem to convey shine and/or preciosity. Note some other examples of possible resplendence in such things as turquoise stones, mirrors (which often have a red ring), or the sun, below right. The red ring around the green stone may also suggest a metaphorical passage to an interior, like a shore around a body of water. Mirrors, also circled in red, might have been considered in a similar way. The green stone seems to serve as a phonetic indicator for the term chal, hollow. The green center appears to represent most closely the green stone that provides the name of chalchihuitl). The mottled effect, using two shades of green, may intend to convey something of the shape or variable color of the stone. Local jade was highly prized for its color, like water, which is essential for life. Green stones were tribute items that were provided by the commoners to the rulers. Precious green stones were also spoken of as metaphors for children. That, said, the green stone might have been used phonetically in this compound glyph to call forth the phonetic "chal," referring to a "hollow." The place does not really have a significance relating to the precious stone.