totoltetl (TK216r)

This painted simplex Nahuatl hieroglyph represents eggs (what we are labeling totoltetl based on the Spanish text and the context), which were being paid by Tepetlaoztoc in tribute to a mercantile agent of Hernando Cortés. These are likely wild turkey eggs, considering how a vast number of turkey hens were also being paid in tribute, shown on this same manuscript page. These eggs appear as three round objects seemingly covered with white cotton cloth and tied. The three small bundles are also tied together at the top. The contextualizing image documents the immense quantity of eggs that were demanded by the Spanish colonial authorities, which the people behind this manuscript are protesting. The amounts are two xiquipilli (16,000 alone), plus 15 x 400, plus 15. The total given in the Spanish text suggests a banner (20) is missing above the final 15 ones, which would make them a multiplier.