Tezcatlipoca: Identifying Aztec Deities
Learn how to identify the Aztec (Mexica) god Tezcatlipoca ("Smoking Mirror") in art.
Leonora Carrington, Kitchen Garden on the Eyot and Surrealism in Mexico
Modern surrealist artist Leonora Carrington often turned to alchemy, magic, mythical creatures, the occult, folklore, fairy tales, and more.
What is a mosaic? Examples from Aztec, Roman, Thai, Islamic, and Byzantine Art
This video focuses on understanding mosaics, both how they are made and the materials they are made from.
Camelid Sacrum in the Shape of a Canine, Tequixquiac, Meixco
Could this camelid sacrum bone be one of the oldest artworks in North America, made 16,000 years ago?
What is Jade (Jadeite) in Mesoamerica?
Jadeite was a precious material in Mesoamerica among the Olmec, Maya, and others.
Pre-Columbian Golden Eagle Pendants from Central America and the Lost-Wax Technique
This video focuses on pre-Columbian golden pendants from Central America, specifically Costa Rica and Panama, made between about 700 and 1519 in the Isthmo-Colombian region.
Who is Chahk (Chaak)?
This video looks at the ancient Maya god Chahk (also spelled Chaak or Chac).
Structure 40 at Yaxchilan and Bird Jaguar IV
Built by Bird Jaguar IV or Yaxum B’ahlam IV in the 8th century, Structure 40 publicized Bird Jaguar IV’s dynastic lineage and helped to justify his rule at the Maya city-state of Yaxchilan.
Colima Dogs and West Mexican Ceramics
Dogs have been immortalized in art across the globe for thousands of years.
Frida Kahlo's Viva la Vida (Long Live Life)—Her Final Painting
Frida Kahlo’s final painting, Viva la Vida, is a powerful symbol of life’s celebration.
Teotihuacan Mastered City Planning 2,000 Years Ago with Apartments and Grid Planning
Explore the massive Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacan, an ancient site known for its incredible architecture.
Lady K'abal Xook (Lady Xoc) on Lintel 25 from Yaxchilán
The ancient Maya queen Lady K’abal Xook (Lady Xoc) of Yaxchilan appears on three of the most famous examples of Maya art (and Mesoamerican art!), including Lintel 25. Find out why!
Elizabeth Catlett, Sharecropper
This video examines Elizabeth Catlett's powerful linocut print, "Sharecropper," created after her move to Mexico City in 1946 to work at the Taller de Gráfica Popular.
How to Do a Visual Analysis in Art History: A Formal Analysis of Sculpture
This video explains how to do a visual analysis (formal analysis) of a sculpture—the Mexica (Aztec) statue of Coatlicue.
Zapotec Funerary Urns in Mesoamerica: Inside Ancient Mexican Tombs
Zapotec funerary urns are unique to ancient Mexico.
Lady Sak K'uk', Queen of Palenque
Who is the ancient Maya queen Lady Sak K’uk’ of Palenque?
José Campeche's Nativity from 1800
The Puerto Rican artist José Campeche y Jordán creates a tender Nativity painting focused on an intimate group of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.
What is a Nazca Double-Spout and Bridge Vessel?
Learn about Nazca ceramics, specifically double-spout and bridge vessels.
Aztec feather art more precious than gold (featherworks)
Feather objects like feathered headdresses were popular for much of Mesoamerican history, and the Aztecs of Central Mexico created some of the most spectacular featherworks that still survive.