
Aztec (Mexica) refers to the dominant people of the Aztec Empire, centered at Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City) from the 14th to early 16th centuries. Mexica sculptors inherited over 2,000 years of Mesoamerican stone carving tradition and produced powerful religious imagery in volcanic rock, jade, and turquoise for temples and public ceremonial spaces.
The Mexica are distinguished from the broader "Ancient Aztec" label by their specific ethnic identity as the founders and rulers of the Triple Alliance empire. Their sculptural conventions include frontal views, strict symmetry, and turquoise mosaic decoration. Our collection includes 3 works at the Art Institute of Chicago.
3 sculptures catalogued with museum locations. Browse all sculptures
1 museum displays (Mexica)'s works. Click any museum to see visiting info and the specific works they hold.
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