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. 
