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Olotl

The native names for the so-called "Axe Money" of the Aztecs or native Indian tribes of Mexico from its fancied resemblance to an axe or chopper.

Authorities differ as to whether these pieces were ever actually used as a currency, or only for ceremonial purposes, although divisions did exist, to wit:

20 Cacao Beans = 1 Olol

20 Olotl = 1 Zontle

20 Zontle = 1 Siccapili

Bancroft, in Native Races of the Pacific States of North America , 1875 (ii. 381-382), states that Xiquipili is the Mexican equivalent for the number 8000, which in the preceding table is confirmed (i.e., 20 x 20 x 20 = 8000).

Conf. Biart, Les Azteques , 1885 (pp. 199-200), and Joyce Mexican Archaeology , 1914 (p. 287).


See Also: Sicca
Source: Frey's Dictionary (American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. 50, 1916)
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