art
Primary function of Aztec art was to express religious and mythical concepts that would legitimize the power of the state. Artistic language spoke for the most part through the form of iconographic symbols/metaphors. The Aztec created objects intended to serve a well-defied function ( to teach critically standard religious, political, and military action). The only group of artisans that were much taken into account were those associated with the decorative arts: the goldsmiths, the jewellers, and the feather workers. The artisans used various tools of stone, copper, wood, and wet sand. Gold, silver, amber, crystal, pearl, and amethyst were popular materials used for creating rich jewels, and vibrantly dyed feathers decorated fine clothing. These crafts people were named tolteca after the Tolteca civilization to which the origins of the artwork was traditionally ascribed. Aztec craftsmen were inspired by their Tolteca ancestors who created magnificent feather mosaics, worked gold, other precious metals, and craved stone to create monumental sculptures for their kings and goal. Most artisans did not rise from their own stations to any positions of considerable power, and so they maintained peaceful relationships with the ruling class. Artists, given their unique talents, preferred to stay in their positions where they were respected and admired for their abilities. Artisans who worked directly for an Aztec ruler performed their jobs either inside the palace or their own homes, where raw materials: such as stones, feathers, or precious metals could be sent. One account reveals that artisans were well paid for their work, but they were also taxed. Aztec sculptures were a monumental synthesis of religious and cultural concepts. Sculptures represented their myths, dreams, and illusions of their life and death.