chimalli (TR5r)

This iconographic example of a shield, which we are calling a chimalli in Nahuatl given the Spanish gloss, rodela, is actually a large circular shield with many embellishments. The shield has a white border and a red or pink center. The center is decorated with seven down feathers and four dark red dots. A white paper flag appears above the shield, with two red and white strips of paper coming out from behind the flag, and four additional strips of red and white striped paper appear below. Behind the shield are four horizontal pink sticks or arrows. These are decorated at both ends with round, white, down feathers.