aztec art

Originating in the time of the Aztecs, the art of papel picado or cut paper art is a Mexican folk art tradition. Today, papel picado garlands are used to decorate Day of the Dead ofrendas or altars, but also used for other celebrations and holidays. These three colorful tissue paper banners from Isabel Rodriguez are laser cut to attain the precise designs, which include skulls, catrinas, and dog skeletons.

Artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association recreate the elaborate stone sculpture known as the "Aztec Calendar" or "Sun Stone." Discovered in Mexico City, the original massive stone is on display in the National Museum of Anthropology and History. The Aztecs (or Mexica, as they called themselves) believed that the sun struggled daily against the forces of darkness. They aided the sun through human sacrifices. This beautiful replica is sculpted in clay and given a crackled antique effect. Features a loop for hanging.

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.

Four baby owls are a lot of work for one adult, especially with their unique traits and personalities reflected in the way they behave, but thankfully the included grown-up can maintain the harmonious balance. Ceramics artisan Jose Arriola crafts this family of Tecolotes or owls, in the language of the Aztec, from terracotta at his family workshop in the creative capital of Guatemala. Jose creates these owls with the ancient wood-fired terracotta process, forming the owl shape in a mold, then heats the clay in a kiln and applies a glazed finish.

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.