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.

By Roy Nilson, these long sterling silver earrings reveal the influence of pre-Hispanic Aztec art. He creates discs of varying sizes to cascade from slender loops. The topmost disc wears a silver headdress of feather-like textures and is centered with natural turquoise.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alon Diller replicates the uniqueness of the cactus leaf, with its flowers and spines growing among scratched patterns. Designed for men, the ring is crafted of silver featuring engraved details and polished blooms in low relief. Nopal in Spanish, the cactus symbolizes Mexico, and its importance dates back to Aztec times, when the god Huitzilopochtli told them they would find the promised land where they'll see an eagle devouring a snake while perched on a cactus that is rooted on a rock emerging from the waters.

.950 Silver

Ceneotl was the Mesoamerican goddess of rain and childbirth, often depicted as a frog or with frog-like features. Rosa Rojo shares images form Mexico's folklore, tradition, and pre-Hispanic peoples in her jewelry. Crafted of sterling silver, the frog on this sterling silver ring is inspired by depictions of the animal and the goddess in pre-Hispanic art.

A serpent coils into an elegant pose for a unique brooch pendant. Its presence recalls the legendary art of Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures. Maria Belen Nilson crafts the serpent of sterling silver featuring a striking copper eye. It features a hidden bale for a chain as well as a pin.

.925 Sterling silver