Conceptualization of 'Xihuitl': History Environment and Cultural Dynamics in Postclassic Mexica Cognition

This study is concerned with how the Postclassic Mexica people developed their unique perspective of history and environment in a dynamic cultural context. By focusing on the process of conceptualization of the Nahuatl word xihuitl, the author analyzes the way the Mexica expressed their cognition. Xihuitl covers a range of meanings: turquoise, grass, solar year, comet, preciousness, blue-green and fire.