The Aztecs: The Ritual of Tattooring The Aztecs are one of the many wonders of history that continue to enthrall scientists and history buffs alike. A mysterious people that made their home in the Mesoamerican region during the 14th, 15th, and 16th Centuries, the Aztecs culture was built heavily on rituals, structures, and codes. Within these rituals dominating their lives day in and day out was the practice of tattooing. The Aztecs took tattooing to a new level. Similar to those tribes of Ancient Briton, the Aztecs were proud of their body art and created intricate, dazzling designs that still appear in modern tattoo culture to this day. But unlike the Ancient Britons, who tattooed for many reasons - including battle pride, worshipping, and recreational activities - the Aztecs' tattoos had one sole purpose: ritual. Aztec tattoos have continued to play a large role in the tattoo culture of modern-day Mexico, as well as fanatics worldwide. Today they are used to celebrate the ancient culture and follow in their footsteps by using the animals or deities that the tattoo bearer feels closest to. Some use the style to represent children's names or represent a word that holds meaning in their life. Regardless of meaning, these tattoos still top the scale on detail and complexity, even against modern-day designs.

Rich in mythology and art, the Aztec civilization dominated central Mexico during the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth centuries. This handsome volume contains 42 pages of authentic Aztec designs derived from ceramics, statues, altars, shields, books, and other priceless artifacts. Gods, rulers, warriors, slaves, animals, and activities both secular and sacred are brilliantly rendered by Wilson G. Turner, a skilled artist/archaeologist and a specialist in pre-Columbian archaeology. Brief captions identify each image. Artists, designers, and illustrators will find in Aztec Designs a wealth of ideas and inspiration for a myriad of projects. Colorists will enjoy adding their own conceptions of color to these ancient motifs.

This engrossing story reviews the nature of indigenous and tribal peoples and their uses of tattoos. Readers learn about the earliest known tattoos and their meanings, and the explorers and conquistadors who encountered the indigenous people who used them. The tattoo traditions of Japan, India, the Arctic, the Americas, Polynesia and Oceania are also examined. The book includes an overview of the anthropologists who studied tattoo meanings and symbols, which can have different meanings in different places of the world. The book closes with a discussion of how tattoos can now be seen as a revival or a fashion choice among modern people who can choose their style and identity more freely than could early indigenous peoples.

An adult coloring book with more than 21 images inspired by the Aztecs and Mayans. You will enjoy the intricate and inspiring designs that are great for beginners and well seasoned colorist. The designs are printed on one side only to prevent bleed through. Grab yourself something to drink and enjoy visiting the ancient art of civilizations long past. Make sure to check more coloring books by JV Creative.

authentic Maya designs, from murals, vases, codexes, instruments, glyphs, etc.—all with informative captions.

The definitive textbook on the archaeology and history of Mesoamerica

Based on imagery from authentic Mexican art and artifacts, these brilliantly colored temporary tattoos showcase the region's historical artistic variety. Four large tattoos depict the Mixtec God of Death, the Olmec Jaguar God, and intricate figures from a Mayan relief and an Aztec calendar.

Characterizes ancient Mexican art through black-and-white reproductions of original motifs discovered in archaeological digs

Here's a book that's inspired by the Mexican culture and history. Artist Tattoo Duke has gathered his collection of drawings, from fully rendered color images, to collages and unique hand sketches, and compiled them into this amazing reference source. Not only does this book feature artwork that could be described as "Gangsta" or "Street," but it also features Aztec warriors, Raza-style artwork, Graffiti Art, even American Indian themes. The key, as with all art, is the shading. When the shading is done correctly it changes the entire impact of the artwork, whether it's rendered in full color or simply sketched in black & grey. This book features everything from beautifully, fully-shaded intricate collages, to simple sketches showing the design process. Tattoo Duke's artwork is a must for any artist/client that celebrates Mexican culture through tattoo designs.

Presents facts about the Mayan, Incan, and Aztec civilizations, covering daily life, religion, art and technology, and where they are now.