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chiahtli, used only by kings. Since he was also an emperor, he wore two plume tassels, called ananacaztli, on the side of the royal insignia crest
63 (see fig. 13). But this distinction between wartime and peacetime was not absolute. Some parts of the uniforms were principally status markers without significant protective function, such as greaves and armbands, yet major leaders occasionally wore them in battle. |
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Thus, status achieved in war was marked by the honors one received, the way one's hair was worn, the jewelry one was entitled to wear, the clothing one wore in peace, and the arms, armor, and insignia one wore in war. Status was indicated for both commoners and nobles, although in different ways. But what could be worn and by whom changed during the course of Aztec history. |
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The use of body paint in warfare extended throughout Meso-america and was practiced, inter alia, by Mayas, Tlaxcaltecs, Huaxtecs,64 and Aztecs.65 Among the Aztecs, the use of specific face paint was a sign of martial accomplishment. Thus, when a warrior took a captive, his face was stained red and yellow.66 The valiant soldiers and tiyahcahuan painted their body black and painted their face with black stripes on which they sprinkled iron pyrite (apetztli).67 The members of the military orders painted themselves as well. The "shorn ones" (see below) had half their heads painted blue and the other half red or yellow.68 Thus, face and body paint were used in much the same fashion as insignia presented for valorous deeds. |
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Individual markings were given to warriors in recognition of martial feats?.69 These markings, often in the form of helmets and crests of various sorts, shields, and other attire, indicated the general rank one held in the military, such as tequihuah, but could also be highly individualistic. Like other aspects of military ranking among the Aztecs, individual markings could reflect social class, but nobility alone was insufficient to merit such distinctions, and even a king who had not performed certain deeds lacked some of the distinguishing insignia.70 |
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The insignia and other devices were kept with the royal tribute and brought out when the occasion warranted.71 They were awarded by the king in Tenochtitlan on special and auspicious days and during special feasts.72 But insignia were also awarded to brave warriors and nobles before a campaign, and additional insignia were taken on campaigns to be awarded to other kings and their brave and noble warriors just before a major battle.73 |
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