Art of the Ancient Civilisations of Mexico

Mexico’s traditional native art before European influence can be traced from rock art to the Aztecs in the sixteenth century.

In between there were the Olmecs, the earliest known civilisation in the Americas, then the Mayan and Toltecs.

The architecture of these civilisations was spectacular, building some of the largest pyramids and cities of the ancient world.

Sculpture was equally as grand, from the Olmecs carvings of heads being some 3 metres high to the Aztec sunstone, being almost 4 metres in diameter.

Gold and silver was plentiful and was cast to make jewellery, masks and chest ornaments. Jade was more highly valued and so it was usually reserved for the very important.

Feathers were combined with gold and jade to make their distinctive headdresses.

Jade was used to carve small statues and ceremonial objects. Axes, knives, masks and animal figures were carved in great detail and show the incredible skill of the artists.

The carvers also showed their expertise in wood carvings and intricate reliefs.

Painting has a long history and the earliest examples are murals depicting everyday life. Some scenes include dancers and musicians, others show battle and torture.

Most of the murals are outlined in black and then filled with bright colours.

Bark paper, prepared by the women, and animals skin was used by specially trained scribes for painting. They described historical or religious events telling the stories of battles, rulers or gods.

The art of weaving had been in practise long before the Spanish arrived, and the women keep this tradition alive by continuing to make their colourful garments.

Pottery has been made for thousands of years and was decorated with scenes of everyday life, this gives the world knowledge of the arts and lifestyles of the original inhabitants of Mexico.

It's a pleasure to see that the women outside the modern areas keeping the ancient styles alive.

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