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.

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.

Braiding black leather, Roy Nilson crafts a bracelet for men that recalls the art and beliefs of the ancient Aztecs. A finely-crafted skull glares from within the jaws of a jaguar to center the design. All young Mexica, or Aztec men, at the age of 14, were required to learn about weaponry and the art of war in special schools. Elite Aztec warriors wore headdresses denoting their honored status in this case, as a jaguar and warrior, or knight.

The jaguar skull serves as the bracelet's button clasp.

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.

Using polished crescents, Mikelo creates the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Or is she Tonantzin, the Aztec moon goddess who was once venerated on the site of the Basilica of Guadalupe? Tonantzin was associated with motherhood and sustenance. The Mexican artisan fuses the imagery in a beautiful sterling silver pendant. It hangs from an adjustable length of brown leather cord.

In the times of the Aztec empire, divine power took the form of a ferocious jaguar, guiding its people through a path of magnificence. This victorious spirit is the main inspiration for Mexican artisan Ali Guzman, whose talent allows her to create this 24k gold-plated necklace boasting a sublime jaguar pendant of radiant allure.