xiuhtomolli (FCbk11f178v)

This iconographic example features a black-line drawing of two turquoise-blue or green stones (xiuhtomolli, also called xiuhtomoltetl). They are 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. This example shows, on the left, a rough wedge of turquoise stone. On the right is a round bead with a string tied through the hole and knotted on top. Some sources say that the xiuhtomolli was flat on one side and rounded on the other, but this is not obvious from the bead on the string here. The nearby Nahuatl text speaks of ways the greenstone or turquoise can be incorporated into a remedy, saying it “tastes good” and it can be made into a bracelet that is good for health. The text adds that this xiuhtomolli comes from Guatemala (Cuauhtemallan) and Soconusco (Xoconochco), which suggests it was more likely a precious greenstone (chalchihuitl) and not turquoise (even though some turquoise is green).