mahuiztli (FCbk12f29r)

This iconographic example, featuring a black and white sketch of a Nahua man possibly expressing fear (mahuiztli), is included in this digital collection for the purpose of making comparisons with related hieroglyphs. The term selected for this example comes from the text near the image in the Digital Florentine Codex. There is no gloss, per se. The contextualizing image shows Malintzin on a roof or parapet speaking to Nahuas, asking them to bring supplies to the Spaniards. Cortés is on the roof with her. A Nahua man appears down below, the focus of this record, and he is speaking back up to Malintzin. She is asking why people are not stepping up to help, wondering if they are afraid (using the noun mahuiztli, fear, and the verb mauhtia, to be frightened). Note that this man has a short tunic, perhaps that of a warrior. He also has his hair tied in a bunch (perhaps a tzontli) on top of his head. His body is in a frontal view, but his head is in profile, looking back toward Malintzin He is gesturing, pointing his finger away from her, as though he is going the opposite direction from what she asks.