cuezcomatl, maize

The building on the left in this detail is a cuezcomatl, or maize granary. It represents a pre-Hispanic architectural design that continued to be used in Mesoamerica and can still be found today in some remote rural areas. The red flag is a counter representing the number 20, and the line to the granary may be an indication that 20 granaries full of maize were being required. The corn cob attached to the flag indicates that maize is the tribute item. [SW]