Treasures of the Great Temple: Art and Symbolism of the Aztec Empire

188 Pages·1991·30.502 MB·English

by  Eduardo Matos Moctezuma

OF THE
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nORIN COUNTY FREE LIBRARY
31111013338791
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Art and Symbolism of the Aztec Empire
TREASURES OF THE
GRMT
TEMPLE
TREASURES OF THE
In the- Introduction to
GREAT TEMPLE, Prof. Eduardo Matos Moctezu-
ma writes: "The archeologist has it within his power
to give life to the world ofinanimate objetcs. He digs
into the earth, goes deep into time, and comes face-
to lace with the gods and peoples ofthe past. In 1978,
it was my privilege once more to transcend the bar-
riers of time and penetrate into the heart of a city,
the city of Mexico"
TREASURES OF THE GREAT TEMPLE
is a lav
ish testament to an extraordinary trove ofAztec trea-
sure uncovered during a 10-ycar excavation in the cen-
ter ofMexico City. These artworks are now on public
display at the Museum ofthe Great Temple, built at
the very site oftheir recovery. Certain to delight both
TREASURES OF THE
travel buffs and art lovers,
GREAT TEMPLE
was photographed by Michel
Zabe, the renowned photographer of preColombian
art. 140 dazzling full-colour plates detail the mythol-
ogy and symbolism pervading the art of the Aztecs.
Through the eyes ofsculptors and potters, we encount-
er a dynamic civilization, a terrifyng religion and a
great empire.
In this magnificent book, monumental Aztec religious
statuary, basalt and jade votive masks, jewelry, fun-
erary urns, incense burners and ritual offerings
wrought in gold, ceramic and stone are displayed
along with sculpted eagles, jaguars, deer, snakes, in-
sects and fish. Also depicted in
..
perb artifacts crafted by the peoples ofot..
who made offerings to the gods of the Great Tem
;
in homage to their powerful neighbour. Each piec
has been dramatically lit against a black background
to bring out its most intricate details and textures
CIVIC CENTER
111 01333 8791
DATE DUE
MAY 1 200
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