atoctli (Mdz29r)

The color of paint used for this soil is about the same as what was typically used in this manuscript for soil, pottery, and wood. The black dots are suggestive of sand (xalli), small stones mixed in the soil, or seeds that have been planted. The scalloped edges of the circular shape for this sign give the impression of a cloud of dust, but humid soil would not likely take that form. This humidity is flagged by the "a" (from atl, water) at the start of the word. The second syllable (-toc) may come from the verb to plant (toca). The fertility of this soil is also underscored in the original, full, compound glyph (see our attestation in this record), by the maize plant growing out of the soil, with two ears of corn, one red and one yellow, five leaves, and a yellow blossom at the top.