mexican jaguar warrior

A youthful face represents one of the renowned Aztec Jaguar warriors, an elite infantry comprised of pre-Hispanic noblemen. Their helmets took the shape of the fierce spotted jaguar, or oceotl. Working in ceramic, artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association create an original mask that is faithful to Mexico's ancient historical record.

Like the Mexica, as the Aztecs called themselves, the people of Tlaxcala also had an elite infantry divided into Eagle and Jaguar Warriors. Working in ceramic, artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association create an original mask of such a Jaguar Warrior, his headdress surrounding the face in fierce fangs. "This original mask is inspired by Tlahuicole, a renowned warrior," the artisans say.

Depicted in the Florentine Codex as well as in historic paintings, the jaguar warrior comes to life in ceramic. Artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association portray the warrior wearing the jaguar's paws on his hands as well as a mask that represents the fierce spotted cat. These fighting men formed one of the elite divisions of the Aztec army.

The brave jaguar warriors of 1325-1521 AD inspire artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association in the crafting of this sculpture. Only the sons of Mexica noble families were admitted into this exclusive army, regarded as soldiers of darkness. To obtain this title, they had to capture 12 prisoners. The artisans depict the warrior with his head turned sideways, as custom dictated to depict high ranking characters. Crafting the sculpture from ceramic with colorful feathers and an eagle headdress, the Mexican artisan portrays the courageous warrior with a shield and a macahuitl, a type of sword that was encrusted with sharp obsidian shards.

The sculpted bust of a jaguar warrior unearthed in Texcoco inspires artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association in the creation of this sculpture. Ancient Aztecs believed the jaguar to be associated with the god of night, and to become a jaguar one had to capture at least four enemies. Jaguar warriors, or ocelopilli, were used to capture enemies to be sacrificed to the gods. They would wear jaguar fur and claws for they believed the items would make them stronger and braver. They fought with wooden swords studded with obsidian.