What Criteria Did the Aztecs Use to Evaluate Artistic Quality?

Introduction

The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in ancient Mexico from around 1345 CE to 1521 CE. They left behind a rich legacy of art and other artifacts that can provide insight into their culture and values. This article will explore the criteria that the Aztecs used to evaluate artistic quality.

Interviewing Modern-Day Experts

To gain further insight into the Aztecs’ artistic standards, it is helpful to interview modern-day experts on the topic. These experts could include anthropologists, historians, and archaeologists who have studied the Aztecs and their artwork. Questions to ask these experts might include: What type of artwork did the Aztecs value most highly? How did they determine the quality of an artwork? What criteria did they use to evaluate artistic quality?

Examining Surviving Artifacts

The Aztecs created a variety of artifacts, including sculptures, murals, pottery, jewelry, and textiles. Examining these surviving artifacts can provide insight into what the Aztecs valued in their artwork. It is important to look for details such as intricate designs, use of color, and symbolism. It is also helpful to consider how the artifact was used—was it part of a religious ritual or a decorative item?

Analyzing Contemporary Accounts

Contemporary accounts from Spanish conquistadors and missionaries can also provide insight into the Aztecs’ views on artistic quality. These accounts can be found in historical documents, diaries, and letters. When examining these accounts, it is important to look for descriptions of the Aztecs’ reactions to various works of art. Was a certain piece praised or dismissed? What characteristics were mentioned when discussing the artwork?

Investigating Role of Art in Religious and Cultural Rituals

Religious and cultural rituals were an important part of life for the Aztecs. Examining how art was used in these rituals can provide insight into what the Aztecs valued in terms of artistic quality. For example, some rituals required the use of beautifully crafted masks or statues. Other rituals involved the burning of effigies made of paper or cloth. Examining these artifacts can reveal what criteria the Aztecs used to evaluate artistic quality.

Exploring Pre-Columbian Codices

Pre-Columbian codices are manuscripts written by the Aztecs before the Spanish conquest. These codices contain illustrations and descriptions of Aztec customs, including their views on artistic quality. When examining these codices, it is important to look for references to specific artists or artwork as well as descriptions of Aztec beliefs about artistic quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Aztecs had a complex system of evaluating artistic quality. Through interviews with modern-day experts, examination of surviving artifacts, analysis of contemporary accounts, investigation of religious and cultural rituals, and exploration of pre-Columbian codices, we can gain insight into what criteria the Aztecs used to evaluate artistic quality.