aztec art

The spirit of Huehueteotl, the revered god of fire celebrated throughout several Mesoamerican cultures, is embodied in this imposing papier mache wall mask handcrafted by Mexican artisan Morneo that is sure to be the focal point of any space. Morneo's skillful strokes breathe life into the essence of this formidable god, draping the mask in a harmonious cacophony of lively hues that pirouette with vitality. Layers of protective lacquer enfold this artwork, infusing it with a luminous gleam that dazzles.

Featuring handwoven areas with open spaces, this composition is inspired and original. The technique has been passed down through generations of Mexico's Otomi people, and carried on by Edgar Trejo. He works with vegetable dye on handmade amate, or tree bark paper, which takes several days to procure through a complex process. Amate was a sacred material for the Aztec and Mayan peoples, historically used to write down and chronicle important events and trade, even serving as the bridge between the mortal and the spiritual worlds during religious ceremonies. According to Otomi traditions, the bark used to produce amate can only be extracted from a tree during certain parts of the lunar cycle, indicating the high level of respect held toward nature. With a freehand geometric floral design, this folk art painting is full of history. A spiral shape twirls in the center.

The silver tradition of the Mazahua people dates to pre-Hispanic times when they helped adorn the great Aztec temple of Tenochtitlan. In 1536, these skilled artisans worked in Mexico's first mint. Carrying on an ancient art, Mazahua Family jewelers create traditional earrings in sterling silver. Ornate flowers each host three dancing pendants.

Perceived by the Maya and Aztecs as a divine creature, the quetzal is today an emblem of Guatemala's diverse nature. Artisan Manuel Delfino expresses his love and pride for this enchanting bird in this pinewood figurine, hand-carved and painted by himself. The piece, masterfully finished with floral details, also displays a harmonious palette of green hues.

Wearing a traditional feathery chicha penacho headdress, an Aztec ruler is depicted by this Mexican mask. Juana Ponce creates this striking cultural mask, which is crafted from ceramic and painted by hand with colorful designs and intricate floral motifs in the characteristic style of Talavera handicrafts.

The town of San Salvador Huixcolotla in Puebla is known as the capital of papel picado or cut paper art which is a Mexican folk art tradition that goes back to the time of the Aztecs and is now used to decorate Day of the Dead altars. Artisan Isabel Rodriguez designs a colorful set of three tissue paper banners laser cut to attain the precise designs, which include flowers, donkey piñatas and doves.

Once the loyal companion of the Aztec warriors, the Xoloitzcuintle inspires today this cute design from Mexico. Artisan Sergio Ponce draws inspiration from the traditional Hacienda style to decorate this ceramic sculpture, whose painted finish enriches the puppy's adorable look.