Standard bearer

He wears sandals—a detail that indicates he is of high status as commoners would walk barefoot. His mouth is slightly open, suggesting speech, and the deeply set eyes likely once held inlays, which would have further animated the face. The subject rests his left hand on his knee, while the right hand (now damaged) forms a hollow fist that once supported a standard or banner. Similar figures were placed on temple staircases throughout the Mexica Empire.