89 



two nations, one of which is armed with bucklers., 

 and the other naked and without means of de- 

 fence. It is probable, that these combats desig- 

 nate some of those, which took place in the sixth 

 century of our era, in the wars of the Aztecks 

 against the Otomites and other hunting nations, 

 that dwelt on the north and the west of the valley 

 of Mexico. The figures placed near the hierogly- 

 phic calli, house, perhaps indicate the foundation 

 of certain towns. The bucklers of the Aztecks 

 are ornamented with arms peculiar to each 

 tribe, and have those appendages of leather, or 

 cotton, well fitted to deaden the stroke of a dart, 

 which are found on some Etruscan vases*. The 

 figures are disposed in symmetrical order. We 

 might be surprised at seeing them use their left 

 hand rather than their right; but we have had 

 occasion already to remark, that the hands are 

 often confounded in the Mexican paintings, as 

 well as in several Egyptian bas-reliefs. 



* See plate 14, No. 2. 



