When the Spanish first made contact with Aztec (Triple Alliance) representatives on the coast near San Juan de Ulua a regional administrator named Pinotl was a key figure. In 1518 Juan Grijalva arrived in the area and was quickly in contact with Pinotl and several other local headmen. Depending on the source, Tentlil (Tendile, Teudilli) and Cuitlalpitoc were also there with Grijalva. It’s also possible that “Pinotl” is the title of the regional leader.
Wanting to see the strangers for himself, Pinotl and others crept close to the shore and saw the ships and several smaller skiffs with men fishing. Eventually the small entourage met with Grijalva and exchanged gifts.
A year later when Cortes came to San Juan de Ulua it was Tentlil, according to various sources, that handled the negotiation and presenting Cortes with the treasure. Pinotl’s involvement in the Conquest was over and seems to have been limited to the Grijalva meeting. In the Cronica Mexicayotl, by the Mestizo chronicler Tezozomoc, we get a few more tidbits about his role as a key Aztec ally on the Coast.
He is mentioned by various names, including Pinotzin, Pinotl, Pinoteuctli and Pinotecuhtli. Pinotl is referenced by name in the Florentine Codex, Annals of Quauhtitlan. His position “Governor of Cuetlaxtlan” is mentioned by Bernal Diaz in his version of the Grijalva expedition.
Annals of Quauhtitlan – Leader of the Cuetlaxtlan people. Cuetlaxtecatl Pinotl, Pinotl. In this brief text Pinotl is seen to acknowledge the arrival of the Spanish and to have taken gifts to them, as well as receiving gifts for Moctezuma.
Florentine Codex – Calpisqui of Cuextecatl, and referred to as Pinotl. In this representation Pinotl is one of five local leaders who goes to the coast to see Grijalva’s ships.
Cronica Mexicayotl – Referred to as Pinoteuctli and Pinotetl in Tezozomoc’s Cronica. In Chapter 34 he is mentioned collecting tribute from towns. In another mention in Chapter 42, Pinotetl seems to be the guy that needs to be contacted to arrange for visits and supplies in Huastepec. In Chapter 108 he is depicted in the Grijalva landing.