nahuatlato (Osu9v)

This detail of an interpreter (nahuatlato) is found on folio 9 verso (or image 21) of the Codex Osuna. It is included here for the purpose of making comparisons with Nahuatl hieroglyphs. It shows what is likely a Spaniard, given his beard, his hat, and his clothing, which is much like the viceroy in the scene (see the contextualizing image). He is pointing the index finger on his right hand toward the second of two Nahua alcaldes in the contextualizing image. He was called to interpret in a situation where the viceroy was appointing two alcaldes (town council officers) of the Indigenous town council in Mexico City. While his finger points backward, a speech scroll emanates from him in the direction of the viceroy. This volute is red at its stem and turquoise-blue in the part that extends out and curls under. These are colors of preciosity.