Here's a breakdown of the key features:
* Logographic: Each symbol usually represents a word, not just a single sound. This makes it different from our alphabet, where letters represent sounds.
* Combined with phonetic elements: While mainly logographic, the system also used phonetic elements, particularly for proper names.
* Picture-based: Many symbols were based on pictures of objects or actions, making them easily recognizable.
* Used for record-keeping: The Aztecs used their writing system for historical records, religious texts, tax records, and other administrative purposes.
* Limited use for everyday communication: Nahuatl writing was primarily used by scribes and elites. It was not a common form of communication among the general population.
The Aztecs also used a system of knotted cords called "quipu"** for recording numbers and other information. While not technically a writing system, quipu was a sophisticated system of accounting and data storage.
It's important to note that:
* The Nahuatl writing system was complex and not fully understood by scholars today.
* Only a small number of surviving texts exist, providing limited information about the system's usage.
* The Spanish conquest significantly disrupted the Aztec writing tradition, leading to its eventual decline.
Despite these limitations, the Aztec writing system is a valuable window into the complexity and sophistication of their culture. It provides insight into their history, beliefs, and daily life.