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.
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.
What is an atlatl?
This video focuses on what an atlatl, or spearthrower, is in Mesoamerica.
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?
What is a mural?
Explore murals featuring the incredible work of early 20th-century artist José Clemente Orozco in Mexico City.
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.
The largest pyramid in the world
The largest pyramid in the world isn’t in Egypt. Do you know where it is?
The death mask of the most famous ancient Maya king
When archaeologists managed to slide the lid off a sarcophagus and look inside, they found Pakal’s body covered in jade ornaments. A jade mask covered Pakal’s face. And all of these helped to transform him into the Maize God!
Tlatilco culture and an ancient fish figurine in Mesoamerica
Dive into the captivating world of ancient Central Mexico with a vibrant figurine showing a fish!