six slaves

This detail shows six slaves wearing elaborate costumes, more elaborate than the other slaves. The cord or yoke attached to the collars on their necks is an indicator of their slave status. neck is an indicator of her slave status. (See images of slaves from other manuscripts in a Mexicolore publication on line, https://www.mexicolore.co.uk/aztecs/kids/aztec-slaves.) The clothing is indicative that these are women, given the elaborate designs of the cloth and the significant covering of the body. The pointed bodice piece may be a quechquemitl, which was a woman’s blouse. Women slaves expected to cook, clean, and provide other domestic and possibly sexual duties. These women were sold by Huexotzinco to obtain gold for the making of the banner with the Madonna and child. [SW]