calpulli

The calpulli was a fundamental unit of Aztec society, functioning as a clan or ward. These groups were organized into corporate bodies, each with its own territory and communal land ownership, though land was distributed among households for use. The calpulli served multiple purposes: it was a unit for land tenure, taxation, and military service, and each also housed a school (telpuchcalli) for young men's military and moral instruction.12

The structure of the calpulli is debated among anthropologists, with some viewing it as a kin group or clan due to a myth of common descent. However, evidence suggests it was also a territorial and administrative unit, with internal ranking and status differentiation.2