Aztec (Mexica)
No Portrait Available
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.
Sculptures by Aztec (Mexica)
3 sculptures catalogued with museum locations. Browse all sculptures
Museums with Aztec (Mexica)'s Work
1 museum displays (Mexica)'s works. Click any museum to see visiting info and the specific works they hold.
About Aztec (Mexica)
The Mexica were the dominant people of the Aztec Empire, founders of Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City). They ruled the Triple Alliance empire from the 14th century until the Spanish conquest in 1521.
They produced religious stone sculpture for temples and ceremonies, using volcanic rock, jade, and turquoise. Their work follows strict conventions: frontal views, rigid symmetry, and turquoise mosaic decoration.
The Art Institute of Chicago displays pieces. The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City holds the world's largest collection of Aztec/Mexica sculpture.
Love Aztec (Mexica)'s Style?
Explore art inspired by their style.
Browse Collection