Aztec script

Aztec
Script type
Pictographic and logosyllabic
CreatorThe Nahua peoples
Time period
Most extant manuscripts from the 16th century
DirectionAnywhere
LanguagesNahuatl
Related scripts
Sister systems
Mixtec
 This article contains phonetic transcriptions in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). For an introductory guide on IPA symbols, see Help:IPA. For the distinction between [ ], / / and ⟨ ⟩, see IPA § Brackets and transcription delimiters.

The Aztec or Nahuatl script is a pre-Columbian writing system that combines ideographic writing with Nahuatl specific phonetic logograms and syllabic signs[1] which was used in central Mexico by the Nahua people in the Epiclassic and Post-classic periods.[2] It was originally thought that its use was reserved for elites, however, the topographical codices and early colonial catechisms, recently deciphered, were used by tlacuilos (scribes),[3] macehuallis (peasants), and pochtecas (merchants).[4]

  1. ^ Lacadena, Alfonso. "Regional Scribal Traditions: Methodological Implications for the Decipherment of Nahuatl Writing" (PDF).
  2. ^ Escamilla, Marlon V.; Fowler, William R. "Paisajes rituales nahua-pipiles del postclásico en la Costa del Bálsamo, El Salvador". Entorno (in Spanish) (53): 67–75.
  3. ^ Corral, Aurelio López (2011). "Los glifos de suelo en códices acolhua de la Colonia temprana: un reanálisis de su significado". Desacatos. Revista de Ciencias Sociales (in Spanish) (37): 145–162. doi:10.29340/37.293. ISSN 2448-5144.
  4. ^ "Tribute Roll". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved 2024-06-05.