Cemithlatoata

For the Xupantla, a 'family name' does exist in the form many would be familiar with. A last name is more of an indicator of a sort of 'clan', though also not in the traditional sense. A true identifier of blood family comes in the form of the Cemithlatoata, lit: 'String of Feats', which is tattooed onto the body when a Xupantla individual comes of age.
To explain, A last name for the Xupantla points to a particular group of people that are united in purpose, but are not necessarily related by blood. Take, for example, the warrior bands that make up much of the traditional military force of the Union of Xotlac, specifically the Warrior Temples. While a Temple of the Jaguar, the actual physical location, might be operated by many people of just as many lineages, they will likely share the same last name. This last name is not shared with every other Temple of the Jaguar, just the one in question. How the individual members of this 'clan' will identify relationships is the Cemithlatoata. That is the connecting line between blood relatives, and the exact design, technique, and layout are closely held family secrets to prevent the falsifying of family records.

Traditionally, the Cemithlatoata is started just above the right eye and is just over the width of the thumb. It then continued up and over the crown of the head and travels down the back in a straight line. When it reaches the lower back, it will turn or continue forward in accordance to family tradition.