How to Recognize Aztec Art

The Aztecs were a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican people that ruled large swaths of Mexico. The art of the Aztecs is a rich reflection of their naturalistic philosophy and mythology, and pays tribute to gods that take the form of animals with masks, paintings, elaborate architecture and mandala-like symbols. To recognize Aztec art simply follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Recognize the Aztec gods. One of the most reliable ways of recognizing Aztec art is identifying Aztec gods in paintings, sculpture and poetry. Since Aztec gods are fairly distinct from the gods of other Mesoamerican civilizations, spotting the hybrid human-animal gods of the Aztecs will help you identify a work of art as Aztec.

2. Learn the Aztec calendar. Unlike the calendar of modern Western civilization, which is simply a time measuring device, the Aztec calendar was heavily involved in Aztec mythology and art. Look for the Aztec calendar or its day and month deities like Calli and Ehecatl to recognize a work of art as Aztec.

3. Look for Aztec symbols. There are a set of symbols used in Aztec art that are distinctly Aztec. Look for the snake symbol, which is a snake with a very long neck and forked tongue. Also, use the Quetzalcoatl symbol, which is represented by a serpent with feathers, to recognize Aztec art.

4. Look for masks. Masks play heavily into both Aztec mythology and art. Aztec masques have grotesque features that are designed to instill terror in viewers. Look for sculpture and paintings of masks behind masks to recognize as a given work of art as a product of Aztec civilization.