aztec art

This bold necklace takes its inspiration from Aztec icons. Ollin represents movement while tlalli refers to the earth. An eye centers the image, taken from the 16th century Codex Telleriano-Remensis manuscript. Working in Taxco sterling silver, Angel Ortiz recreates the ancient symbol and displays it on a black rubber cord.

Taking the form of a feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl is an ancient pre-Hispanic deity, paid homage in this stunning men's pendant necklace from Mexico. Angel Ortiz crafts the pendant of precious sterling silver from Taxco in the Aztec art style. It centers black rubber cord that closes with a sterling clasp.

The feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl, an ancient pre-Hispanic deity, honors the region's traditions in this stunning men's cocktail ring from Mexico. Angel Ortiz crafts the piece with sterling silver from Taxco, following the Aztec art style. A combination of polished and oxidized finishes completes the accessory with a dapper look.

Quetzalcoatl, the "feathered serpent" was a revered deity in Mesoamerican myth and legend. Mariana Llanes depicts him as a sterling silver dragon that take its own tail in his mouth. "When one becomes many, they awaken the dragon, and duality emerges — light and darkness, what is mine, yours and belonging to others," ths artist says. "Our differences, survival and the struggles for power.

"By biting its tail, the dragon places all its energy toward understanding who we are and why we're here. It speaks of overcoming one's own ego, of humility.

"For me, the open hands are a beautiful representation of human collaboration. They symbolize friendship, honesty, respect, solidarity and willingness.

"Black crosses flank the hands along with garnet droplets that represent the death and suffering caused by wars. This is in honor of everyone who has died because of war. And it's a prayer that their lives and their blood be seeds that germinate in green fields of conscience, learning, and respect for life and for our differences.

"The spirals speak of life's cyclical nature and of resilience. Of our capacity to learn and change our reality, converting painful experiences into strength and wisdom.

"The feather pendants are symbols of the birds that collect our prayers around the world — for peace, for justice, for equality and the rights of everyone. They carry our voices in their song and they carry our prayers for peace."

The pendant is worn on a beaded gemstone strand of amethyst, iolite, citrine, peridot, carnelian and garnet.

Ceneotl was the Mesoamerican goddess of rain and childbirth, often depicted as a frog or with frog-like features. She was an important part of the pantheon in the Aztec's lake-based world. Rosa Rojo shares images form Mexico's folklore, tradition, and pre-Hispanic peoples in her jewelry. Crafted of sterling silver, the frogs on these sterling silver earrings are inspired by depictions of the animal and the goddess in pre-Hispanic art.

Francisco Sánchez crafts a delightful necklace in the style of pre-Hispanic art. Present in Mexico's music and legend, the paloma, or dove comes to life in this chic silver pendant.

.925 Sterling silver

Named with the Nahuatl word for hummingbird, this necklace by Rosa Rojo reveals the importance of this little creature to Aztec and other indigenous cultures. The design is based on depictions from Mexico's pre-Hispanic codices, reinterpreted in gleaming sterling silver.