Characterizes ancient Mexican art through black-and-white reproductions of original motifs discovered in archaeological digs

Numerous primitive designs from early Mexican cultures are reproduced to demonstrate native decorative ingenuity and inspire modern artists and designers

240 meticulously reproduced motifs from the pre-Columbian world include Aztec calendars, animals, mythological characters, scores of other striking images — from codices, Maya hieroglyphs, mask panels, Olmec pottery figures, more. Royalty free.

This volume presents ancient Mexican myths and sacred hymns, lyric poetry, rituals, drama, and various forms of prose, accompanied by informed criticism and comment. The selections come from the Aztecs, the Mayas, the Mixtecs and Zapotecs of Oaxaca, the Tarascans of Michoacan, the Otomís of central Mexico, and others. They have come down to us from inscriptions on stone, the codices, and accounts written, after the coming of Europeans, of oral traditions. It is Miguel León-Portilla’s intention "to bring to contemporary readers an understanding of the marvelous world of symbolism which is the very substance of these early literatures." That he has succeeded is obvious to every reader.

Rich in mythology and art, the Aztec civilization dominated central Mexico during the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth centuries. This handsome volume contains 42 pages of authentic Aztec designs derived from ceramics, statues, altars, shields, books, and other priceless artifacts. Gods, rulers, warriors, slaves, animals, and activities both secular and sacred are brilliantly rendered by Wilson G. Turner, a skilled artist/archaeologist and a specialist in pre-Columbian archaeology. Brief captions identify each image. Artists, designers, and illustrators will find in Aztec Designs a wealth of ideas and inspiration for a myriad of projects. Colorists will enjoy adding their own conceptions of color to these ancient motifs.

Alive with visual renderings of kings, warriors, tribal ceremonies, and mystical journeys, ancient codices told stories through pictures. Rich with the flavor of Latin American folk art, this collection spotlights 366 color and black-and-white designs.