Luis Hernandez XNolocotzi, owner of one of the few 
remaining 'Tlaxcalan cvezcomatis, writes (in correspond- 
ence) that these structures are made as follows: first, a 
solid stone and mortar foundation is built half a meter 
below the ground and a half meter above; then, a good 
supply is made of loaf-like units, each about one meter 
in length, consisting of long grass stems (Z/yonurus eili- 
aris H BK) well kneaded in clay; these units are placed, 
while still partly moist, in an overlapping fashion around 
and around to form the thick circular walls of the gran- 
ary; finally, the wall is faced on both sides with a heavy 
coating of daub. He adds that formerly coiled grass 
‘ables were used to construct small cuezcomatls. There 
is no doubt, therefore, that a positive relationship exists 
between the archaeological granaries of the 'arahumaras, 
the euezcomatls of the Codicis, the 19th Century reports 
and the modern structures of Tlaxcala and Morelos. 
3. Highland log-cabin. This type of granary is found 
in use among the ‘Tarahumaras of northwest Mexico and 
the Mixtecs of northwest Oaxaca. Bennett and Zingg 
(1985) give the following description of this structure: 
‘‘The most compact and carefully made structures of the Tara- 
humaras are the storehouses for grain, which may be as large as 10 
feet high and 8 feet square. The walls are made of well-hewn boards 
notched to fit very closely. The foundation of these structures is usu- 
ally made of beams supported by four stones to prevent moisture from 
entering the interior. ... Above these floor boards, carefully notched 
and fitted boards are placed on edge to form the side walls in log- 
cabin fashion. ... Above the walls is a ceiling (pola, Tara.), made of 
close-fitting boards like those used for the floor. ... Very clever lock- 
. 
ing devices are used to prevent easy access to the interior and robbery.’’ 
The Mixtec form found near Nochistlan is very similar 
to the one described above. It adds a palm-thatched two 
pitched roof, thus providing a loft which is also utilized 
for storage. 
