Scrolls

 

Scrolls must have had more significance than as a nice decoration. 
There are three types of scrolls:

Square Scrolls

Building C (in Tajin Chico) shows examples of the "square scrolls.

Below is building "K" also on the Tajin Chico level.

Rounded Scrolls


Below is a sketch of the band of rounded interlaced scrolls at the bottom of the south ballcourt panels. This motif is repeated several times. The figures (not shown here) seem to be walking on top of this band. Could it be water?
bottom band from south ballcourt
Scroll band at the bottom of the south ballcourt panels

the Great Xicalcoliuhqui

The "mother of all scrolls" is the Great Xicalcoliuhqui. 

scroll in the lower right side of the site layout.


Below is a picture of a part of the south-west side of the Great Xicalcoliuhqui. (again-- talud-tablero-cornice).




Part of the north-east side of the Great Xicalcoliuhqui.



Scrolls at other Sites

Scrolls were used at many other sites, but not as a major design element.

Scroll design element from a building in Mitla (Oaxaca)



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