Mexica commoners excelling in warfare could be promoted to the noble class and could enter some of the warrior societies (at least the Eagles and Jaguars). Sons of nobles trained at the Calmecac however were expected to enter into one of the societies as they progressed through the ranks. Warriors could shift from one society and into another when they became sufficiently proficient; exactly how this happened is uncertain. Each society had different styles of dress and equipment as well as styles of body paint and adornments.
Eagle and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_warrior
Aztec warriors were called a cuāuhocēlōtl. The word cuāuhocēlōtl derives from the Eagle warrior cuāuhtli and the Jaguar Warrior ocēlōtl. Those Aztec warriors who demonstrated the most bravery and who fought well became either jaguar or eagle warriors after capturing four captives during battle. Of all of the Aztec warriors, they were the most feared. Both the jaguar and eagle Aztec warriors wore distinguishing helmets and uniforms. The jaguars were identifiable by the jaguar skins they wore over their entire body, with only their faces showing from within the jaguar head. The eagle Aztec warriors, on the other hand, wore feathered helmets including an open beak.
Otomies
The Otomies were another warrior society who took their name after the
Otomi people who were renowned for their fierce fighting. In the historical sources it is often difficult to discern whether the word otomitl "Otomi" refers to members of the Aztec warrior society, or members of the ethnic group who also often joined the Aztec armies as mercenaries or allies.
The Shorn Ones
The "Shorn Ones" (Cuachicqueh) was the most prestigious warrior society; their heads were shaved apart from a long braid over the left ear. Their bald heads and faces were painted one half blue and another half red or yellow. They served as imperial shock troops, and took on special tasks as well as battlefield assistance roles when needed. Over 6 captives and dozens of other heroic deeds were required for this rank. They apparently turned down captaincies in order to remain constant battlefield combatants. Recognizable by their yellow tlahuitzli. They had sworn not to take a step backwards during a battle on pain of death at the hands of their comrades.
Texcocoan Noble Warrior
Texcoco was one of the cities of the Aztec Triple Alliance, the unit was based on a picture of
Nezahualcoyotl a king of Texcoco. It has no real historical basis, I just liked the costume, and at first thought it was a Tlaxcalan warrior, not a Texcoco king.
Pictured: Eagle Knight, Jaguar Knight, Elite Jaguar Knight (there is no basis for the name, I just didn't want to say "blue Jaguar knight, the color may not mean anything), Otomi Atlatl, Cuachicqueh, Texcocoan Noble Warrior
Thank you!
