matlactli (CQ)

matlactli (CQ)
Notation

Glyph or Iconographic Image Description: 

This notation of ten circles (ones, counters) has been carved from the combined notation-glyph Matlactli Olin (Ten Movement, 10-Movement). The colors of the ones alternate between red, yellow, and turquoise blue. They are in two groups of five, one that is vertical (on the left) and one that is horizontal (across the top), connected at the top at a right angle.

Description, Credit: 

Stephanie Wood

Added Analysis: 

The use of turquoise blue (or blue-green) in this notation--along with red and yellow--both echos and differs from the color choice in some of the other notations. Some will have white in place of blue. The choice of colors and patterns require further analysis. Red, white, and yellow are colors shared with maize and with some cardinal directions. Turquoise blue may be an even more sacred color choice, as it is associated with the count of years and therefore the sun. It is also the color of water, which is sacred, precious stones (green stones and turquoise), and the color of new plant growth, including medicinal herbs.

Added Analysis, Credit: 

Stephanie Wood

Source Manuscript: 
Quetzalecatzin, Codex (CQ)
Date of Manuscript: 

covers ruling men and women of Tecamachalco through 1593

Creator's Location (and place coverage): 

southern Puebla state

Semantic Categories: 
numbers
Syntax: 
noun(s)
ten as two fives (notation)
Cultural Content & Iconography: 
Numbers, Math
Religion (Indigenous)
Cultural Content, Credit: 

Randall Rodríguez

Colors: 
blue (sky blue)
green (dark)
red
yellow or golden
Shapes and Perspectives: 
circle, circular or rounded
circle(s) (small, often concentric)
right angle(s)
Other Cultural Influences: 
Mixtec
Keywords: 

ten, diez, numbers, números, xiuhpohualli, año, turquesa, xihuitl

Glyph or Iconographic Image: 
Relevant Nahuatl Dictionary Word(s): 

matlac(tli), ten, https://nahuatl.wired-humanities.org/content/matlactli

Glyph/Icon Name, Spanish Translation: 

diez

Spanish Translation, Credit: 

Randall Rodríguez

Image Source: 

The Codex Quetzalecatzin, aka Mapa de Ecatepec-Huitziltepec, Codex Ehecatepec-Huitziltepec, or Charles Ratton Codex. Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017590521/

Image Source, Rights: 

The Library of Congress, current custodian of this pictorial Mexican manuscript, hosts a digital version online. It is not copyright protected.

Historical Contextualizing Image: 
See Also: 

Matlactli Olin (CQ)

matlactli omei (CQ)