Research Paper on The Aztec Art is published for informational purposes only. The free papers are not written by our writers, they are contributed by users, so we are not responsible for the content of this free sample paper. If you want to buy a quality essay paper on Research Paper on The Aztec Art at affordable prices please use our essay writing services offered by EssayEmpire.

The modern concept of art as a form of individual expression would not have made much sense to most Aztec artists, particularly those in the visual arts--painting, sculpture, and metalworking. For most Aztec artists--with the exception of Aztec poets--their works were not meant to express feelings or thoughts, nor were they meant to be beautiful or pleasing to view. Art was almost entirely in the service of Aztec religion.

Since the Aztec common people could not read, art was the central means of conveying the ideas and stories of the spirit world and communicating religious truths to them. Of the visual arts, many scholars believe the Aztecs excelled most at sculpture. Sculptures of the gods were necessary for worship. These statues, often made in the detailed image of one of the gods, existed in every Aztec home. There were thousands in temples and in other public places. Drawing on religious themes, some of the sculptures of the gods and events in the spirit world were utterly terrifying or brutal. Most were made from limestone, which was abundant in the area. Other sculptures were done in basalt. Some were tiny, and of course, others towered over the city streets.

The Aztecs were highly skilled at working with features, especially the highly prized bright-green feathers of the quetzal bird. From these they created headdresses, cloaks, and elaborate ceremonial costumes. In Tenochtitlan there was a very large aviary (building where birds are housed), in which thousands of birds were kept and their feathers gathered regularly. Highly skilled workers wove the feathers into intricate costume pieces. Since most of the feathers have long since decomposed, only pictures and carvings of these elaborate feather creations are left. The Aztecs also excelled at painting and weaving baskets, most of which disintegrated.

Although much Aztec art did not survive over the years, the Aztecs did leave behind some exquisite jewelry. They treasured the green gemstone called jade above any other material, including gold. Jade was called chalchiuitl, or "precious stone." The Aztecs also fashioned fine metalwork. It is said they brought in metalworkers from distant lands to make fine gold jewelry in Tenochtitlan.

The Aztecs had many festivals throughout the year, and music and dance were an important part of religious rituals. Music, like the other arts, was meant to please the gods rather than the listener. Aztecs learned as children how to dance and play musical instruments, and at the festivals, everyone participated in special dances enacting religious stories or themes. Sometimes there were hundreds of dancers performing the intricate steps. The music was played by a group, many using huehuetls, drums made from logs. Other percussion instruments included gongs, rattles, and bells. Conch shells sounded like trumpets, and whistles and flutes were made out of bones or bamboo.

Free essays are not written to satisfy your specific instructions. You can order a term paper, research paper or custom essay on Research Paper on The Aztec Art at our site which offers professional essay writing services. Get your high quality custom paper at affordable price. EssayEmpire is the best solution for those who seek help in essay writing related to Research Paper on The Aztec Art and other relevant topics.