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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.

A circular medallion recreates the glyphs present in the Aztec calendar, representing a full year. In the center crouches a single man, known as Mam, or "carrier of time." According to Aztec legend, it is this person's role to carry the weight of a full 365 days upon his back, represented by the sack of stones that he bears. This character is depicted in excellent detail in this sterling silver necklace by Angel Ortiz. The pendant hangs from a sleek black cord.

Inspired by the beautiful ceremonial songket weaving of Bali, artisan Dini creates this lovely shoulder handbag that is perfect for everyday use. Expertly hand woven from cotton, the front of the bag is decorated with an eye-catching array of geometric motifs in a variety of cheerful colors. The bag opens with a zipper to reveal a black cotton interior and two zippered pockets that are ideal for smaller items.

The most important deity in the Aztec pantheon, Tezcatlipoca, or "Smoking Mirror," is also one of the oldest, first appearing during the pre-Mexica Teotihuacan era. He is the god of fertility, of the wind, of life, of maize and of agriculture, and is said to have taught humans how to measure time and create the calendar. He is considered the antagonist of Quetzalcoatl, yet in later accounts, Quetzalcoatl is described as the black Tezcatlipoca.

Working in polychrome ceramic, Angel Cerón depicts Tezcatlipoca as his nahual, or animal counterpart — a jaguar named Tepeyollotli.

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.