PLUS: mini-features on intriguing artefacts (mostly in museums) we think you may find interesting... AND: check out our artefact study pages, each linked to a downloadable activity sheet (see menu, right).
Report on a one-day symposium in London
weapons in the history of Mesoamerica
shaped obsidian jar from Texcoco...
Aztec slaves were released from their collars
history, archaeology and campaigning...
of Mexica/Aztec art...
of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican featherwork?
into making this famous Aztec shield?
that were victims of ‘mistaken identity’...
is with power....’
of a Mexica priest’s waistcoat...
is striking, powerful, and entirely unparalleled
just 7 blocks from the Zócalo...
think a molinillo is for...!
rich aroma as well as light!
‘smoking’ obsidian mirrors
of the family treasure chest
of the sacred precinct of Tenochtitlan
‘monster’ metate which we’ve been allowed to see
were hand modelled...
was a truly ancient hunting weapon
- what a lotta pottery!
a heavy LOAD of responsibility...
take generations to ‘season’
- you could bet your life on it...
The upright digging stick
- at the very centre of Aztec life
high-chairs for meal times?
the most precious artefact of all - a young baby...
- the Aztecs’ Broadsword
was in some contexts a sacred instrument
Nip up a gum tree and discover the original Aztec recipe...
Up the Chewing Gum Tree!
ancient peoples used it to seal and stick
Aztec shields - status symbols par excellence
The ‘Queen’ of Aztec sacred drums ...
...for over 800 years!
- basic kit for Aztec DJs!
multi-ethnic ancient Mexico?
play marbles, or jacks?
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Figurine of an Aztec eagle warrior, jadeite, Mexica (Aztec), 1300-1521 CE, height 14.5 cms., British Museum. Ref. Am1856,0422.93.
The face emerges from the gaping beak of an eagle helmet. In Aztec mythology, the eagle represented the power of the day and was believed to carry the sun into the sky from the underworld each morning. Eagle and Jaguar warriors, the two most prestigious military orders, were schooled in the art of war in special precincts in the heart of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. They earned status by performing feats of bravery and daring, notably securing captives for sacrifice. Warriors were awarded insignia such as cloaks, helmets and shields according to rank.
From British Museum Collection Online website.
Photo courtesy and © Trustees of the British Museum.