ichcatl (Mdz40r)

Cotton was an important trade item that also fueled imperial expansion. It was highly prized for weaving and creating textiles. A type of armor was also made from cotton padding. The texturing of the cotton bolls are reminiscent of the texturing of agricultural land. The dots may be seeds, which are so commonly found on cotton bolls. The u-shapes may symbolize agriculture. These u's are also found on the cotton that is being spun on the malacatl (see below, right).