The Elite Shorn Aztec Generals

Aztec generals known as Tlacateccatl belonged to an exclusive order called the Shorn Ones. These high-ranking warriors kept their heads shaved except for a single long braid behind one ear to signal their status.

Being a Tlacateccatl meant more than just holding military rank; it required joining a brotherhood of the most feared soldiers in the empire. These generals served as the emperor's right hand, planning grand campaigns from the heart of Tenochtitlan. Their unique hairstyle served as a terrifying warning to enemies on the battlefield. This position was a vital stepping stone, as these commanders often climbed the ladder to become the supreme ruler of the Aztec people.