ayate

(Sp. model spelled same [ajáte]< Nahuatl ayatl 'thin cloth made of maguey fiber')

   Glossed by Carlisle as a square or rectangular piece of plaid cloth used to carry diverse items by southwestern Indians. It was fashioned into a sling and served to transport pottery, foodstuffs, and other things. The term is referenced in the DRAE, DM, and VCN. All three Spanish sources say that the term refers to a woven fabric made of maguey fiber used as a sort of bag to carry fruit and other items. The DRAE indicates that the fabric could have been made of palm fibers, henequen, or cotton. Buckaroos who resided in Indian territory likely would have seen this artifact and known its name.