Aztec Empire Art - Essay Example

Bloodletting and sacrifice by Olmec was another important aspect that led contributed to the art and beliefs of later Mesoamerican cultures. Although there is no explicit evidence of bloodletting in the archeological records, there are strong beliefs that they practiced it. This is proven by numerous ceramic spikes, thorns, and artifacts that have been cited as blood letters. In the Elmanati site, disarticulated skulls and femurs were found. In addition, the skeletons of newborn children were discovered. This leads to speculations that infant sacrifices were being conducted in these places. Nevertheless, it is yet unknown how these infants met their deaths.

The innovation of writing by Olmec played a significant role in the art and beliefs of later Mesoamerican cultures. In 2002, there was the discovery of birds, speech scrolls, and glyphs. These artifacts were crucial in enabling the Mesoamericans to organize their seasonal rituals. In addition, they were able to plan their activities that were significant in improving their religious beliefs. Hieroglyphs such as Epi-Olmec were also crucial in developing Mesoamerican art.

Chichen Itza and Tula have many similarities in art and architectural designs. Both cities had similar temples, an aspect that indicated that there was a close relationship between the two sites. People in these areas have similar religious structures that they used to appease their gods. In addition, the Sacred Cenote, which was a large cylindrical and natural sinkhole, had religious importance to the local people. Tula copied some of the architectural designs from such structures. This is an indication that Itza was established before Tula.

Major beliefs in Tula had some similarities with those of Itza. The artifacts indicate that the carvings and the writings had major similarities. For instance, both cities portrayed a close relationship with the Plumed Serpent. The art and architecture include different depictions of him. In addition, the carvings of the big-nosed god had some relationship between the two cities. Although there are some variations, the original ideologies of the carvings are still retained.

Itza's architectural designs formed the bases for the Tula buildings and other sacred places. For instance, the Group of Thousand Columns which was named after many pillars helped in building Tula’s Pyramid B, and the Temple of Chac Mool which were inside the Temple of Warriors. Therefore, these structures helped in enabling other societies to organize their activities. On the other hand, the religious symbols found in Itza formed a base for the religious beliefs of Tula. For instance, different depictions of Quetzalcoatl and feathered serpents were spotted in Tula although in different forms.