aztec art

Fierce and commanding, this ceramic sculpture captures the power of an Aztec eagle warrior, clad in a striking skull mask and an elaborate eagle headdress. Holding a conch shell, once used as a battle trumpet, and carrying a detailed shield, every element reflects the warrior’s strength and deep cultural symbolism. Handcrafted with remarkable skill by the members of the Angel Ceron Artisan Association in Mexico, this figurine brings history and legend into vivid form.

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.

One of the oldest and most venerated gods of ancient America, Tlaloc is depicted in all his might in this sculpture from Mexico. Artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association depict the god of rain, lightning, and thunder in ceramic, handcrafting his totemic figure. This sculpture features a rustic finish, as if discovered in an ancient dig site.

This ceramic vessel is a replica of a famous Aztec archaeological sculpture in obsidian, which is on display in Mexico's National Museum of Anthropology. This version is burnished, high-fired ceramic with a rustic brown finish, created by the Angel Ceron Artisan Association in Mexico City.