The document analyzes slate ornaments called tezcacuitlapilli from Teotihuacan through various chemical and physical analyses. Ten representative specimens from the Pareyon Collection were studied. The analyses revealed that three different types of slate were used. Pigments on the ornaments contained gypsum, iron oxide, and other materials. Many of the ornaments featured bas-reliefs depicting people, monsters, butterflies, and other symbols. The ornaments were identified as coming from the Cave of the Sun Pyramid in Teotihuacan based on photographs and previous literature. The goal was to better understand the materials and symbolic meanings represented on the artifacts.

1. Characterization of slate ornaments from Teotihuacan by nuclear
and conventional techniques
T. Villa-Córdoba • J. A. López-Palacios •
M. Jiménez-Reyes • D. Tenorio
Received: 7 December 2011 / Published online: 31 January 2012
Ó Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary 2012
Abstract Several ornaments named tezcacuitlapilli
(coccyx-mirrors) are described and chemical analyses of
raw materials (slate and pigments) were carried out by
neutron activation, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron
microscopy and radiography. Elemental and statistical
analyses revealed that three different kinds of slate were
used in their manufacture. The white pigment contains
gypsum while ochre, yellow and red pigments contain iron
oxide. These ornaments were identified as coming from the
Cave of the Sun Pyramid of Teotihuacan. An attempt was
undertaken to reconstruct the contexts of their manufacture
and symbolic interpretation.
Keywords NAA XRD SEM Slate
Teotihuacan Mexico
Introduction
The term tezcacuitlapilli was proposed [1] as the name for
the mirrors that were carried on the coccyx region, taking
the Nahuatl words tezcatl and cuitlapilli, which mean
mirror and tail [2], respectively. These ornaments had two
useful faces: one of them properly for the mirror and the
other that could be decorated or not and usually made of
slate. Many pieces of this kind of ornament are found on
the murals in Teotihuacan.
Among the materials recovered from many Mexican
sites over a period of 46 years by Pareyon-Moreno [3, 4],
more than 250 objects were stylistically and ichnographi-
cally identified as being typical of Teotihuacan. The
ornaments studied in this research were found in an
archaeological storehouse with no historical context [5].
They are fragments of a grayish blue stone, some of them
with excellent bas-relieves, remains of pigments and round
edges, which were recognized as coming from Teotihuacan
according to some photographs of the INAH Technical
Archive and particularly because the drawing of one of
these pieces was reported in the literature, being found in
the deepest area of the Sun Pyramid Cave of Teotihuacan,
the tetra-lobular enclosure [6, 7]. This cave, discovered in
1971 [8], was described as a tunnel 103-m long, oriented
from west to east, having the access close to the main
stairway of Sun Pyramid and several sub-divisions inside
which could be due to a gradual process of closure [6]. In
the tetra-lobular area were found several earthenware pots
that were identified as belonging to the Teotihuacan II
(150–250 A.P.) period and fragments of circles of slate
with bas-relieves. These were briefly described as a
standing person and the disguises of a jaguar and of a bird.
A radiocarbon dating revealed the tunnel as belonging to
the first century A.P. [9]. This cave possibly represented an
underworld entrance and it could very well be the most
sacred space of Teotihuacan [6, 8, 10].
The tezcacuitlapilli of Teotihuacan, and probably the
majority of the classic period, were made of a pyrite
mosaic on a slate base sometimes decorated with precious
or semi-precious stones and bas-relieves. The historical
development and the function of mirrors in Mesoamerican
cultures have already been reported [11–13] and evidences
T. Villa-Córdoba J. A. López-Palacios
Coordinación Nacional de Conservación del Patrimonio Cultural
del INAH, General Anaya y Xicoténcatl s/n, San Diego
Churubusco, Coyoacán, 04120 Mexico, D.F., Mexico
T. Villa-Córdoba M. Jiménez-Reyes D. Tenorio ()
Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares,
P. O. Box 18-1027, 11801 Mexico, D.F., Mexico
e-mail: dolores.tenorio@inin.gob.mx
123
J Radioanal Nucl Chem (2012) 292:1249–1258
DOI 10.1007/s10967-012-1648-7

2. have been found concerning the manufacturing of mirrors
in Teotihuacan [14–20]; it has been suggested that slate
might have been brought from several places such as the
Querétaro, Hidalgo, Veracruz, Puebla and Mexico States.
The mortuary offers are found in habitation areas of
Teotihuacan where tezcacuitlapilli are associated with men
or women of high society. Many examples of these findings
have been mentioned in the literature [21–25] and partic-
ularly 153 pieces considered as tezcacuitlapilli were
recovered from the Quetzalcoatl temple [18]. The decora-
tion of mirrors of Teotihuacan is simpler than that of
mirrors of other Mesoamerican sites; however, the sym-
bolism of the bas-relieves of the tezcacuitlapilli of the
Pareyon Collection is exceptional.
Ten specimens of the Pareyon Collection identified as
fragments of tezcacuitapilli were chosen for the present
study because they were the most representative and well-
preserved. Figure 1 shows their drawing.
The purpose of this study was to bring to light more
information about these ornaments and their raw materials,
slate and pigments. An attempt was undertaken to recon-
struct the contexts of their manufacture and their symbolic
interpretation. For this purpose, archaeometry and litera-
ture were our basic support. A description of the decoration
of the rear of the tezcacuitlapilli (see Fig. 1) is given
below.
Specimen 1 Person with helmet in the form of a feline.
Only one fragment was located without a Catalogue no.
Though lacking an edge, it is probably a portion of a
tezcacuitlapilli whose total area could not be determined. A
person wears a costume in the form of a feline and a
zoomorphous helmet with open jaws from which appears
another person. His mouth is open and has a little nose, a
lanceolate eye and a square ear ornament. The helmet
shows the gums, three fangs, a fragment of the nose, one
eye and from the nape feathers and spirals. This costume is
quite similar to the ocelot, symbol of the brave warrior
[26]. A drawing of this piece was found in the literature
from [7].
Specimen 2 Person with helmet in the form of a human
skull.
The fragments (Catalogue no.: 10604209 3/5, 10604209
1/5 and 10604209 4/5) represent approximately the one-
third of the total object, a circle of 22-cm diameter. The
bas-relief is found in relatively good shape; two fragments
have the beveled rims from the back face to the frontal side
and one hole to tie.
On the exterior band a wavy line and a series of volutes
are found, some of which partially invade other sections of
the decoration; some of the excavations have incrusted
material. Three concentric circles are found between the
exterior band and the center. Only the head and helmet of
the main figure were located. It has a rectangular eye with
its mouth pointing to the left of the disc, and below the
cheek bone there appears a circular ear-flare (plug) placed
in the center of the open jaws of the helmet. The figure has
an eye in the form of a drop and two pairs of fangs sepa-
rated one from another. The helmet is composed of a series
Fig. 1 The tezcacuitlapilli of Pareyon Collection: Specimen 1 person
with helmet in the form of feline. Specimen 2 person with helmet in
shape of human skull, Specimen 3 monster of the glyph Xi, Specimen
4 a fat person, Specimen 5 butterfly, Specimen 6 a descending person,
Specimen 7 Tajin-style spiral, Specimen 8 a standing person,
Specimen 9 the great mirror of Pareyon Collection
1250 T. Villa-Córdoba et al.
123

3. and interlaced volutes. In front of the person there appear a
point and a volute, lightly marked in comparison to the bas-
relief. The central image joined with the external band
harmonizes with the bas-relief, thus creating a three-
dimensional image. No representations sharing these
characteristics have been located in the murals and
ceramics of Teotihuacan. Nevertheless, the sculptures with
flayed crania found in 1917 in front of the Pyramid of the
Sun [27] share some features.
Specimen 3 Monster of the glyph Xi.
This sample is composed of five fragments, two of
which have been joined through partial restoration (Cata-
logue no.: 10604210 1/5, 10604210 4/5, 10604210 5/5, and
10604211 5/6). These fragments represent approximately
50% of the total piece whose diameter is 28.4 cm. Though
the bas-relief is poorly preserved, the design is discernible
and the various levels generate a three-dimensional image.
The disc is framed by a double molding. The external
one is ornamented with feathers and the internal one with
C-shaped volutes, signifying water. A carved ring separates
the moldings from the central area, in which there is a
representation of a strange zoomorphic figure. Its left side
with the upper extremities containing long claws, the knee,
the leg and the head with open jaws and large fangs are
visible. Water issues from the jaws and a large glyph
composed of a series of super imposed trapezoids with a
central channel and a kind of chignon is found near its
coccyx. This symbol and the points sometimes included are
usually considered calendrical elements. This glyph is
similar to that found on the green jaguar from the Quet-
zalpapalotl palace [28] among other sites.
Specimen 4 Fat person.
The piece is composed of three fragments, two of which
had been joined previously (Catalogue no.: 10604210 2/5
and 10604211 6/6). The piece was oval shaped with
diameters of 28.8 and 32.4 cm, and the fragments represent
a nearly a third of the piece.
The bas-relief is framed by a double molding, the
external one being flat and the other having Tajin-style
volutes. In the middle there are volutes forming ribbons
with semicircles that terminate in undulated lines delimited
by the internal molding.
The anthropomorphic figure is shown as if in movement
with the right leg backward and left leg forward. The feet
probably had shoes and the right arm is flexed forward. The
abdomen is ample and he wears a belt; there is a large
feather array on the back and an oval element on the small
of the back, probably a tezcacuitlapilli from which emerges
a serpent form. The superposition of the figure over the
Tajin-style volutes creates a three-dimensional image
suggestive of an aquatic environment.
It is quite possible that the fragment with Catalogue no:
10604211 1/6 belongs to the Fat Person specimen even if it
does not have contact point with the other fragments. On
this piece one finds a band of alternating C-shaped volutes
and five-point stars. In the center there appears a Strombus
Shell held by an element with bundles of feathers. One can
also see a wrist with three bracelets that seems to be
located inside the plumed conch trumpet.
Specimen 5 Butterfly.
Only one fragment (Catalogue no: 10604209 2/5) rep-
resenting about one-sixth of the total disc is extant (29-cm
diameter). The dynamic carving reveals the wings and
other attributes of a butterfly circumscribed by a volute
design. The rhomboid wings have exterior frames similar
to the crests emerging from its chest. Several elements
evoke an antenna that forms a curve surrounding the cen-
tral composition without overlapping with its wings. An
eye emerges giving the subtle effect of movement. The
bas-relief includes several perforations forming bands. It is
worth pointing out that bas-relief of butterflies carved in
stone are practically non-existent at Teotihuacan, except
for the pillars in the Quetzalpapalotl temple, at the south-
west corner of the Moon plaza.
Specimen 6 A descending person.
This sample is composed of two fragments that form
about one-third of a circle, 20 cm in diameter (Catalogue
no.: 10604211 4/6 and 10604211 2/6). Fine bas-relief is
contrasted with deeply grooved areas and perforations with
inlay residues.
The scene is framed by three moldings; one smooth area
terminates in a bevel, while another ends in a wavy volute
that seems to emerge from the figure’s hands. The central
figure is anthropomorphic in a descending pose that reveals
a right arm, both legs and a section of his face. The dorsal
right hand is shown with stretched figures with the thumb
pointing towards the individual. A whirlwind of chords
wrapped around his hand and forearm turns into the volutes
from the previous plane. The figure’s arm has a double
outline with evidence of a possible cartouche. On the legs
three curved lines form an S that ends in rounded trape-
zoids and which in turn, ends in five quadrilaterals sym-
bolizing the fingers. The bottoms of the feet are also lightly
incised with bands. The figure is superimposed over the
molding, thus giving a sense of movement. The wide
square face of an adult has a thick nose and oval eyes. The
large mouth is oval and open. Some semi-circular elements
can be found between the nose and mouth, suggesting a
beard or mustache. Two large ear plugs frame the face. The
hair-style is similar to Teotihuacan figurines which [23]
called heart-shaped suggestive of a type of cranial
modification. Descending figures are little known for
Characterization of slate ornaments 1251
123

4. Teotihuacan and its area of influence. Only one example
from a mural in the Sun group where several figures are in
this pose is extant [29].
Specimen 7 Tajin-style volute.
This is a unique fragment without a Catalogue no. It
forms part of a finely incised molding of a disc of 21.3 cm
in diameter. The geometric designs from Tajin are a
common motif on back mirrors from the collections of
Pareyon. The knot-like volute appears in panels on build-
ings and on sculptural elements and ceramics giving a
sense of movement.
Specimen 8 A standing person.
This is one of the few Pareyon pieces known publicly
because of its inclusion as part of the discovery of the cave
under the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan. Four frag-
ments are known, three of which were joined during res-
toration (Catalogue no.: 10604209 5/5, 10604208 1/2 and
10604208 2/2). The contact points between the central
fragment where the figure is found and the other fragments
are very small. These fragments make-up only one-third of
a whole circle that would have measured 21.6 cm in
diameter.
The rim is smooth, and dynamically carved interlaced
bands appear at the figure’s feet. The rest of the scene is
very subtly incised. The background is marked by lines
forming a grid and denoting possible textiles or nets.
The standing figure reveals his left side. The details of
the body are firmly carved. The figure wears shoes, a belt
tied in a knot, a necklace of square beads and small circular
ear plugs. The figure also wears a false beard in the shape
of a C that is related to the headdress. He also wears a nose
ornament. His arms are flexed with the right elbow pointing
downward and the missing hand probably held an object
that is only suggested by a round rim. The left arm is
revealed only through a fragment of the shoulder and a
thumb and index finger. There are many similarities
between this bas-relief and the back mirror from the
American Museum of Natural History [30].
Specimen 9 The great mirror of Pareyon Collection.
This is a large stone disc (Catalogue no.: 10604212 4/4)
that formed a mirror of exceptional size (40-cm diameter).
It is perhaps the largest presently known for Mesoamerica,
and it is not carved on either side.
Group 1 Flat tezcacuitlapilli.
There are six fragments, three with no rim (Catalogue
no.: 10604212 3/4, 10604212 1/4, 10604212 2/4, 10604210
3/5, 10604211 3/6 and one without number). The fragments
probably shaped like a disk 25 cm in diameter, have no
imagery on either side.
Experimental
Sample preparation
Samples of slate, pigments and resin were taken from
fragments of the specimens. Firstly, the surfaces of the
specimens were slightly scraped with a piece of glass, and
then samples of slate were taken (ca. 600 mg) by means of
a drill with a tungsten bit. They were then ground with an
electric agate mortar, and these powdered samples were
dried at 353 K for 24 h. Pigmented surfaces were cleaned
by air-blowing and then the samples were taken with a
carbon conductive tape (1 cm2
). Table 1 includes the kind
of sample and the analytical technique utilized.
Nuclear activation analysis (NAA) of slates
Irradiation was performed in a TRIGA MARK III nuclear
reactor at a thermal neutron flux of 1 9 1013
cm-2
s-1
.
Samples of 200 mg of the slate, irradiated for 2 h, were
allowed to decay for 12–14 days, c-ray spectra being
recorded for 2 h. All radioactivity values were corrected by
taking into account half-life and decay times. Soil-7 of the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was the ref-
erence material used in our research to calculate elemen-
tary concentrations. Nuclear data of the isotopes identified
on the c spectra are given elsewhere [31].
X-ray diffraction (XRD)
A mineralogical analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) was
performed for slate at room temperature with a Siemens
D-5000 diffractometer using Cu Ka radiation with a graphite
mono-chromator; the diffraction pattern was collected from
2.5 to 70° 2h with a step size of 0.02° 2h in order to acquire
X-ray patterns with sufficiently high intensities to identify the
minerals present. For the qualitative identification of the
mineralogical composition the data file JCPDS [32] was used.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
The morphology of the pigments was analyzed with a scan-
ning electron microscope JEOL-6460LV at 20 kV. The
samples on a carbon conductive tape were mounted on an
aluminum holder and later covered with a gold layer
approximately 150-Å thick in a Denton Vacuum Desk II
sputtering system. In all cases, the images were reproduced
with a backscattered electron detector at 109, 309, 1009,
3009, 6009 1,0009 and 2,5009. The elemental composition
of the same samples was determined by energy dispersion
spectroscopy (EDS) with an EDAX DX-4 spectrometer; to
obtain the X-ray spectra, a count rate of 2,000–2,500 cps, dead
times of 25–30%, and a 150-s acquisition time were used.
1252 T. Villa-Córdoba et al.
123

5. Table 1 Analytical results
Sample key
(fragment)
Material Analytical technique
SEM EDS XRD NAA
(cluster
no.)
Specimen 1. Person with helmet in the form of a feline. Without Catalogue no.
P10 Slate – *1 Q, A, M—D, E –
P27 Slate – *1 Q, A, M—R, K 2
Specimen 2. Person with helmet in shape of human skull. Catalogue no.: 10604209
P8 (1/5) Slate – *1 M, Q, A2 –
P25 (1/5) Slate – *1 M, Q, I 1
P49 (4/5) White pigment Granules Ca: 22%, O: 58%, S: 17%
(*2) ? C (3%)
– –
P50 (4/5) Ochre pigment Granules Fe: 26%, O: 45% (*3) ? C,
Na, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca
– –
P54 (4/5) Ochre pigment Granules and fibbers Fe: 16%, O: 53% (*3) ? C,
Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K,
Ca
– –
P55 (4/5) Ochre pigment Granules Fe: 40%, O: 40% (*3) ? C,
Na, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca
– –
Specimen 3. Monster of the glyph Xi: 10604210
P14 (5/5) Slate – *1
P31 (5/5) Slate – *1 Q, M, ?K2 3
P41 (5/5) Ochre pigment Flat surfaces and
conglomerates
Fe: 41%, O: 45% (*3) ? C,
Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca
– –
P42 (5/5) Ochre pigment Flat particles and granules Fe: 31%, O: 49% (*3) ? C
(12%), Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S,
K, Ca
– –
P43 (5/5) Base of pigment Sheets, wheat grains and
thorns: diatomaceous earth
(10–100 lm)
Si: 29%, O: 58% ? Na, Mg,
Al, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Fe
– –
P62 (1/5) Specimen (slate) Globular conglomerates and
crystals 4 lm
– – –
P62 (1/5) Ochre pigment Fe: 43%, O: 47% (*3) ? Na,
Mg, Al, Si, P, Cl, K, Ca
Specimen 4. A fat person. Catalogue no.: (a) 10604210; (b)10604211
P11 (a2/5) Slate – *1 M, Q –
P12 (b1/6) Slate – *1 –
P13 (b1/6) Ochre pigment – Fe: 26%, O: 45% (*3) ? C, Al,
Si, S, Cl, K, Ca
Q ? S2 –
P28 (a2/5) Slate – *1 M, Q ? I, S, H2 1
P29 (b1/6) Slate – *1 Q, I, M 1
P30 (b1/6) Slate – *1 – –
P38 (a6/6) Ochre pigment Laminar and globular
structures
Fe: 15%, O: 50% (*3) ? C,
Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti
– –
P39 (a6/6) Ochre pigment Granules Fe: 39%, O: 42% (*3) ? C,
Na, Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca
– –
P40 (a6/6) Ochre pigment Granules Fe: 26%, O: 48% (*3) ? C,
Na, Mg, Si, P, S, K, Ca
– –
Specimen 5. Butterfly. Catalogue no.: 10604209 2/5
P16 Slate – *1 Q, M, I, K2, F –
P33 Slate – *1 – 1
Characterization of slate ornaments 1253
123

6. Table 1 continued
Sample key
(fragment)
Material Analytical technique
SEM EDS XRD NAA
(cluster
no.)
P45 Bung of a perforation Superposed plates Ca: 20%, S: 18%, O: 57%
(*2) ? C, Si
– –
P46 Pink pigment Granules Ca: 29%, O: 55%, C: 13%
(*4) ? Na, Mg, Al, Si, S,
Mn, Fe
– –
P47 Red pigment Granules Ca: 24%, S: 18%, O: 57% (*2)/
Fe: 47%, O: 35% (*3) ? C,
Na, P, S, K, Ca
– –
Specimen 6. A descending person. Catalogue no.: 10604211
P15 (4/6) Slate – *1 Q, M, I ? G, DD –
P32 (4/6) Slate – *1 – 3
P59 (2/6) Yellow inlay Crystals 3 lm Fe: 27%, O: 51% (*3) ? C,
Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca
– –
P60 (2/6) Ochre pigment Faceted granules and thin
sheets
Fe: 17%, O: 50% (*3) ? C,
Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca
– –
Specimen 7: Tajin-style spiral. Without Catalogue no.
P18 Slate – *1 Q, M, E, I, C –
P35 Slate – *1 Q, M, E, I, K2 2
Specimen 8. A standing person. Catalogue no.: (a) 10604209; (b) 10604208
P9 (b 2/2) Slate – *1 Q, M, A2 –
P17 (a 5/5) Slate – *1 Q, M, C, I, S3 –
P26 (b 2/2) Slate – *1 Q, M, I 2
P34 (a 5/5) Slate – *1 Q, M, S4 2
P56 (b 1/2) Ochre pigment Foils, blocks, and disintegrated
materials
Fe: 20%, O: 54% (*3) ? C,
Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca
– –
P57 (a 5/5) Ochre pigment Tiny and flat particles ? big
particles with faceted
fractures
Fe: 29%, O: 50% (*3) ? C,
Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K
– –
P63 Perforation Helicoidally and plaited
vegetable fibbers (probably
cotton)
– –
Specimen 9. The great mirror of Pareyon Collection. Catalogue no.: 10604212 (4/4)
P4 Slate – *1 Q, I, A, M R, PR –
P5 Pigment – Fe, O (*3), C, Al, Si [ S, Na,
P, Cl, Ca
C3 and Q, O, C, MS –
P21 Slate – *1 Q, I 1
Group 1. The flat tezcacuitlapilli. Catalogue no.: 10604212
P2 (2/4) Slate – *1 Q, M, C2 –
P3 (3/4) Slate – *1 Q, M, C2 –
P6 (1/4) Pigment – S, Ca, O (*2), Fe, Al, Si, P, Mg,
Na, Cl, K
C, G –
P7 (1/4) Slate – *1 Q, M, A2, C2 –
P19 (2/4) Slate – Q, M, C2, C4, P, S5 1
P20 (3/4) Slate – 1
P24 (1/4) Slate – Q, M, S6, S7 1
P36 Fellow 1 Slate – 1
P37 Fellow 2 Slate – 1
1254 T. Villa-Córdoba et al.
123

7. X-ray equipment
Radiographies of the great mirror of Pareyon Collection
were obtained with the equipment of Continental X-ray
Corp. model BC-C.50.
Results and discussion
NAA of slate and statistical treatments
Sixteen elements were quantitatively determined: Sc, Cr,
Fe, Rb, Sb, Cs, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Th and U,
iron being the most and lutetium the least abundant. The
precision of the analytical data obtained by NAA was
satisfactory because the standard deviations of iterated
analyses of each sample were not usually higher than 10%
of the mean values.
Statistical treatments were carried out by taking into
consideration all the elemental concentration data and
using the MURR procedures for the statistical analysis of
multivariate archaeometric data written in GAUSS lan-
guage by Neff [33]. Figures 2 and 3 show the obtained
dendrogram and PC diagram, respectively. Three clusters,
whose analytical results are shown in Table 2, were
identified.
The main difference between Cluster 1 and 2 was the
antimony content Cluster 2 being the richest. Cluster 3 is
different for most of rare earth elements (La, Ce, Nd, Sm,
Eu, and Tb). The cluster number of each sample is included
in Table 1.
Specimens 2 (P25), 4 (P28 and P29), 5 (P33), and 9
(P21), and Group 1 (P19, P20, P24, P36 and P37) formed
Cluster 1, whereas specimens 1 (P27), 7 (P35), and 8 (P26
and P34) formed Cluster 2. The samples of Cluster 3 were
those of specimens 3 (P31) and 6 (P32). These differences
Fig. 2 Dendrogram of slate samples
Table 1 continued
Sample key
(fragment)
Material Analytical technique
SEM EDS XRD NAA
(cluster
no.)
P58 (1/4) Cream pigment Tiny and flat particles ? big
particles with faceted
fractures
O (51%), Fe (17%) (*3), Ca
(4%) ? S (3.3%) (*2), P, Si,
Al, Na, Cl, K, Mg
–
*1: The elements identified by EDS for the slates were always: Si, Al, O [ Mg, K, Na, S, Ti, Fe. *2: Gypsum. *3: Hematite or limonite. *4:
CaCO3/CaO. The keys for minerals identified by XRD are given at the end of the table
A albite, A2 anorthite-Na, C calcium carbonate, C2 clinochlore, C3 cristobalite, C4 cronstedtite, D dmisteinbergite, DD delhayelite, E aegirine,
F ferrocarfolite, G gypsum, H hematite, H2 potassium, magnesium, aluminum and silicon hydroxide, I illite, K kaliophilite, K2 kalsilite,
L limonite, M muscovite, MS magnesium silicate, P phillipsite, PR pseudo-rutile, Q quartz, R rutile, S sanidine, S2 aluminum and magnesium
silicate, S3 aluminum and potassium silicate, S4 sodium and aluminum silicate, S5 sodium and aluminum silicate, S6 hydrated calcium sulfate/
sulfite, S7 hydrated calcium and iron sulfate, O titanium and potassium oxide
Fig. 3 Diagram of principal-components of slates samples. Confi-
dence interval for ellipse: 0.8
Characterization of slate ornaments 1255
123

8. suggest that more than one slate was used for manufac-
turing the tezcacuitlapilli and that these slates probably
came from different sources.
XRD of slate
Table 1 shows the minerals identified in the slates, which were
mainly: quartz (SiO2), the micas muscovite (KAl2(Al,Si)4
O10(OH,F)2) or illite ((K,H3O)(Al,Mg,Fe)2(Si,Al)4O10[(OH)2,
(H2O)]) and the feldspar albite (NaAlSi3O8), all of them typ-
ical components of these materials. Other minerals were found
as secondary phases (see Table 1). Slate is a fine-grained,
foliated, homogeneous metamorphic rock derived from an
original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or
volcanic ash through low grade regional metamorphism. It is
frequently gray in color, especially when seen en masse cov-
ering roofs. Mexican sources are found in Oaxaca, Chiapas,
Guerrero and other states [34].
SEM and EDS of slates and pigments
Table 1 shows the results obtained by SEM and EDS. The
elements analyzed in the slates are basically the main
components of quartz, micas and feldspar, mentioned
above (Fig. 4).
Stoichiometry calculations were carried out taking into
account the percentages of elements identified by EDS. For
white pigments (P49, P45, P6 and P58) gypsum (CaSO4)
was identified by means of the ratio Ca/S (1.25). The
sample P46 probably contains a mixture or calcium car-
bonate/oxide. Ochre (P50, P54, P55, P41, P42, P62, P13,
P38, P39, P40) and yellow (P59) pigments are rich in iron;
they probably contain hematite or limonite (Fe2O3 or
Fe2O3nH2O), which was most likely extracted from the
local clay as red ochre. Both gypsum and iron oxide were
identified in sample P47. The base of pigments (P43) was
identified as a mixture of clay and diatomaceous earth.
Other elements identified in the pigments (C, Na, Mg, Al,
Si, P, S, K, Ca) correspond to those of mica or clay.
The samples P62 (Specimen 3) y P63 (Specimen 8) were
able to be inserted into the vacuum chamber of the SEM
due to its little size, and its surface could be directly
observed. The slate of sample P62 showed faceted particles
at 91,500 and globular conglomerates and crystals 4 lm
at 92,500, whereas in a cavity of sample P63 helicoidal
and plaited vegetable fibers were found. Diameters of the
fibers were between 15 and 20 lm and that of the bundles
was 30 lm. According to the literature [35] the body of the
cotton fiber is characterized by its thickened wall and
central canal; the spirals or convolutions are distinct twist
about the longitudinal axis of fiber, and the direction of the
helix is frequently reversed. Therefore, the fibers of the
sample P63 are quite probably cotton. Both bundles present
breaks on the walls, probably due to torsion effect or usage.
Table 2 Elemental composition of the slates obtained by NAA
Element Cluster 1
(N = 10)
Cluster 2
(N = 4)
Cluster 3
(N = 2)
Sc 20 ± 3 23 ± 2 23 ± 3
Cr 95 ± 16 94 ± 8 95 ± 24
Fe (mg/
g)
24 ± 8 18 ± 7 18 ± 7
Rb 205 ± 39 271 ± 55 325 ± 14
Sb 0.9 ± 0.3 9.7 ± 0.7 6 ± 2
Cs 8 ± 4 11 ± 3 12 ± 4
La 40 ± 13 36 ± 7 9 ± 5
Ce 81 ± 17 68 ± 13 19 ± 11
Nd 34 ± 12 40 ± 20 8 ± 3
Sm 11 ± 5 13 ± 6 9 ± 5
Eu 1 ± 0.2 0.9 ± 0.1 0.4 ± 0.05
Tb 0.9 ± 0.4 0.64 ± 0.09 0.4 ± 0.05
Yb 3.3 ± 0.3 3.5 ± 0.4 2.6 ± 0.5
Lu 0.41 ± 0.06 0.44 ± 0.05 0.36 ± 0.05
Th 12 ± 2 10 ± 1 7 ± 2
U 3 ± 0.6 3.1 ± 0.6 2.8 ± 0.6
Clusters were formed according to the principal-component diagram.
Excepting iron the units are lg/g; mean ± standard deviation
Fig. 4 SEM photo-micrographies. a Sample P63 (91,500): helicoidally and plaited vegetable fibbers. b Sample P46 (9600): diatomaceous
earths. c Sample P62 (9300): crystals of mica on slate
1256 T. Villa-Córdoba et al.
123

9. X-ray images
These images showed the fastening system of the Great
Mirror (Fig. 5): a series of drill holes made by double
excavation. Despite the dimension and weight of the disc, it
was quite possibly fastened by ropes.
Conclusions
The fragments of tezcacuitlapilli of the Pareyon Collec-
tions show several common characteristics. All these discs
were made of slate; their shapes are circular or oval and
were probably bases of mirrors even if some of them do not
show fastening system. Three different slates were identi-
fied; however the identification of their sources needs more
investigation, which has been initiated [20].
The materials of the mirrors are absent; however, the fine
layer of yellow ochre and the crust of ferrous materials on
some surfaces are not necessarily pigments but probably the
remains of a chemical decomposition process of the original
materials that took place over the course of time. Gypsum
was found on the surface of several specimens (Numbers: 2,
3, 4, 5, 6 and Group 1), sometimes mixed with calcium
carbonate or oxide. These materials would be the finished
surface or base for pigments, as used for ceramic painted in
fresco in the Last Xolalpan period. Iron oxide and carbon
were found on the surfaces of specimens 3 and 5, which
indicate the presence of pigments. Diatomaceous earths
were found on specimen 3; the origin of this material could
be the Cenozoic sources of Malinalco, Mixcuyo and Patl-
achique Hills [36]. Moreover the identification of cotton
fibbers for specimen 8 clarify the fastening system of the
tezcacuitlapilli. Therefore, the manufacturing of tezcacuit-
lapilli required several kinds of materials which came from
sites not necessarily near Teotihuacan. Another possibility
is that they were acquired already finished.
The bas-relieves on the back of the mirrors here studied
have several characteristics in common: (a) The volute in
molding which creates an ambiance, (b) The central person
and his own space, and (c) The relationship between the
molding and the central area giving a pseudo-three-
dimensional image.
The symbolic elements of the bas-relieves reveal the
following:
Person with helmet in the form of a feline: the presence
of felines, mainly jaguar and ocelot seems to be associated
with the representation of the nocturnal sun, the under-
world, the earth and the nahualism [26].
Person with helmet in shape of human skull: the asso-
ciation of the human skull and sacrifice represented in
statues and bas-relieves of Teotihuacan [27] seems to be an
explanation of this image.
Monster of the glyph Xi: because of the issue of water it
can represent a gift giver and the apparent numerals would
be calendrical elements. Different dates have been pro-
posed for the glyph Xi [37–40].
Fat person: he has the general characteristics of the
named Fat God [27], associated with fertility, of Teotihu-
acan III and IV periods.
Butterfly: due to its characteristics it seems to be a
Papilio multicaudatus, of the family Papilionidae; one of
the identified by [41]. Butterflies have been associated with
fire or blood [42].
Descending person: he could represent one of the named
‘‘psychic units’’, a bond between humans and gods [43].
Tajin-style volute: it has been interpreted in several
ways; however, the volute representing an indefinite space
can be associated with ancestors and fertility as were
tezcacuitlapilli.
Standing person: this young warrior could represent a
proto-Tezcatlipoca, due to the presence of nets and felines.
However, this consideration remains open to the finding of
other similar representations.
The tezcacuitlapilli of Pareyon Collection are different
from those of the offerings of the Quetazalcoatl temple
because of their diverse styles of design. Due to its
dimension, the Great Mirror could have had a different
function of the others. However, all of them could be
associated with priesthood and social or military hierar-
chies. Finally, as they were found in the Cave of Sun Pyr-
amid, a sealed area, they might have been closed offering.
Acknowledgments The authors are grateful to M. Espinoza and I.
Martinez (ININ) for XRD analyses, to J. A. Alba (INAH) for SEM
analyses, and to J. Muñoz Lujano (ININ) for his technical assistance.
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