Cultures throughout Mesoamerica produced ceramic figurines from the earliest periods through the time of contact with Europeans. These figurines depicted people of all levels of status, from common people to rulers, and the figurines also depicted deities. The study of ceramic figurines also illustrates how depictions of deities changed and developed through time. The … [Read more...] about Mesoamerican Sculptures in Reproduction: Researched by Jordan Seyer
The plaques in this display illustrate colorfully painted brass figures, each on a blackened wooden base. The images portrayed on these wooden plaques are reproductions of characters found in Mesoamerican codices, or screenfold books, that were used to record histories, the calendar system, and religious belief systems. The clear style and depiction of the figures indicates … [Read more...] about Aztec/Mixtec Codex Images of Deities, in Reproduction: Researched by Katie Kimbrough
As with Mesoamerican figurines, ceramic vessels were in production among Mesoamerican cultures by 2500 B.C.E. The making of ceramic vessels has continued to flourish through contemporary times, both as a craft for making utilitarian wares and as an artform for making elaborate, artistic vessels and sculptures. Traditional Mesoamerican ceramics were made using coil, slab, and … [Read more...] about Mesoamerican Ceramic Vessels: Researched by Caitlin Baker, Charles Andrew Corbett, and Logan Williams
Papel picado banners have a long history in indigenous Mesoamerican culture. Mesoamerican cultures such as the Otomi and the Aztec traditionally made paper from the inner bark of maguey, fig, or mulberry trees. Religious practitioners cut the paper into designs for use in rituals to combat disease, misfortune, and dangerous spirits, as well as in rituals to ask for … [Read more...] about Papel Picado Banners: Researched by Nichapat Kongpaisarnnatee, Michelle Eveker, and Celeste Hanford