MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Intricately carved and painted banquettes from the Casa de las Águilas (House of the Eagles) at the Templo Mayor site. These architectural elements feature vibrant frescoes depicting a procession of armed Aztec warriors, showcasing the artistic sophistication and religious symbolism of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican culture.
Photograph by David Coleman. The banquettes from the Casa de las Águilas at the Templo Mayor site offer a vivid glimpse into Aztec artistic and religious practices. These stone structures, adorning the lower walls of the sacred precinct, feature beautifully carved bas-reliefs painted in bright colors against a striking red background. The frescoes depict a procession of armed Aztec warriors converging on a zacatapayolli, a ball of dried moss or grass used in self-sacrifice rituals. This imagery provides insight into Aztec religious practices and the importance of bloodletting ceremonies in their culture. The artistic style shows Toltec influences, evident in elements like the braziers adorned with the face of Tlaloc, the rain god. This reflects the Mexica adoption of artistic traditions from earlier Mesoamerican civilizations, demonstrating cultural continuity and evolution. The preservation of the vibrant colors and intricate carving is remarkable, allowing modern visitors to appreciate the artistic sophistication of Aztec craftsmen. These banquettes serve not only as beautiful artworks but also as valuable historical documents, offering insights into Aztec military culture, religious practices, and artistic techniques. This artifact exemplifies the rich archaeological treasures uncovered at the Templo Mayor site, providing a tangible connection to the complex civilization that once thrived in the heart of what is now Mexico City.
Size: 6925px × 4622px
Location: Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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