Xicolli

Remains of an Aztec xicolli or male priest’s waiscoat

Mexico City’s Templo Mayor Museum has on display a rare example of a Mexica (Aztec) male priest’s ceremonial garment, known as a xicolli in Náhuatl. Similar to a modern waistcoat, this piece was made out of fine quality coyuchi cotton, and the geometrical style design was painted on after its manufacture with colour dyes - it was not part of the original weave.