Hello everyone, this is my last job, a Tzitzimitl warrior outfit.
This costume belongs to the late postclassic (15th century)
The name tzitzimitl derived from a feminine monster of the Aztec mythology, this costume is not an armor is similar to medall of honor. The Tlatoani (king) gave this dress during the ritual of Ochpaniztli to the Tlacochcalcatl, they were men who stood out for being brave and that would govern some warrior town near the limits of Excan Tlatoloyan, these towns gave military service like tribute to Tenochtitlan.

The piece of the head is called Cuatepoztli and is made of amate paper and orchid glue which is quite resistant but not impenetrable, however cuatepoztli is not made to be an armor.

The clothing that covers the body is called Tlahuiztli and is made of cotton, not is an armor, rather it is a ritual clothing, the Aztecs believed that it was magic and that the tlahuiztli would grant the powers of the jaguar, eagle, coyote or tzitzimitl, This belief is called Nahualismo and means that the body is possessed by the spirit of some animal, god or monster.

The banner is called Palmitl, this type of banner (of three white flags) is called Tlacochcalcayotl, the flags are of amate paper and the frame is of reed and ixtle.

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Nice repro, Armando. Thanks for posting the pictures.

Awesome job Armando, you have brought a great thing to life here. Well done.

Oh wow.. I have never seen a decent repro of these before.. usually they are way over the top but this seems perfect. Well done! :)

Bravo! What you have done is amazing. More please!

Thanks guys!! I am now working on a " Otomí warrior" and a "Papalotl (butterfly) warrior" outfit, I hope to have it ready for the next week. :)

This is _really_ cool. I can't wait to see more!!! :)

I agree with all of the above! It's wonderful to see some cultural diversity come in. As much as I love all things Euro, this is just too cool. You should be very proud. :D ...McM

this the new costume, a papalotl warrior (butterfly warrior)

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Very, very cool! Would they have worn armour under or over this? I have read and heard of various types of armour in use by the Aztecs. Just curious.

Thanks,

RPM

Many, many years ago I studied with an archeologist in the LA area who specialized in Mesoamerican warfare. He has some interesting evidence on padded and leather armours. I wish I could find my notes as I wrote down all the sources but I have always wondered that about these suits as it would seem possible but I had never seen anything proving that. That said this was back in the late 90s so it has been almost 20 years...

Do you make Mesoamerican weapons as well? Such an interesting timeframe.

Best,

RPM

I would also be interested to see the weapons of the warrior. :D ....McM

Hello again, I have been working on the weapons and this is the result. To the left is a Tepoztopilli (6' long), in the center a macuahuilzoctli (1.6' long) and to the right a macuahuitl (2.95' long).

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Tepoztopilli and Macuahuitl
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Macuahuilzoctli
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Tlacochtli and Atlatl
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Sling with clay projectiles filled with obsidian shards
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Can I say this is just awesome! Could I use some of your photos for a class I do on Mesoamerican history? I have a section on war that this would be awesome in.

Do you sell this stuff or teach how to make this?

You have some great skills both research and in manufacturing these!

RPM

Thank you very much, these works are for my undergraduate thesis in the Faculty of History of my University. For me it would be a pleasure that you will use the photos for your class. I could show you with pleasure, we could get in touch by facebook (Luis Armando Alarcón) or e-mail.

Most Interesting, Glad to see other cultures taking reenacment to a new level.

Excellent reproduction of the Armeria Real Macuahuitl! What kind of wood did you use for the body of the piece? Did you knap the obsidian blades yourself? How much does the reproduction weigh? Very well done!

Armando,

I will send you a message with my PM. Thanks you very much.

Sounds like a great program making such excellent reproductions. Is this for a specific class?

RPM

I'm actually quite impressed, I've had friends of mine say they'll do a kit like this but I never actually seen one made. Quite interesting honestly. Also the Aztec Macuahuitl, I'm wondering the effectiveness it had with cutting. I remember reading they were actually sharper than steel but more brittle, and could decapitate a horse if I remember correctly. Wondering if you've ever tested any of them on something. Anyway keep up the good work.