Xiuhcoatl (Azca12)

This compound glyph presents the name of a divine force, Xiuhcoatl (typically translated as "Fire Serpent" or "Turquoise Serpent," given that fire and turquoise are related). The serpent or snake is descending down the steps of a pyramid (see the contextualizing image for a better view). The descent is mentioned in the gloss, as well ("Xiuhcoatl descended there") and it is represented in a stone carving of the Fire Serpent located in the British Museum (see below).

The serpent's white head is much larger, proportionally, than its light-brown body. Its eye is open and its tongue protrudes from its open mouth. The tongue has an arrow point, rather than being bifurcated. A red and white bow tie appears at the neck of the serpent. A banner with a long post comes up from the serpent's back. The yellow banner flies to the viewer's left, and above the banner is a red and yellow feather fan, also attached to the pole. Between the banner and the snake is a symbol for ilhuitl (a day), if we compare it to other representations of days in this manuscript. This one has four small red circles on the perimeter of concentric circles that are red, yellow, and white.