Raul
Pantojas
October
3, 2015,
Professor
Bomboy
HUM
101
Non-Western
Art Critique
Ancient
art from non-western origins was distinct in how there was no discrepancies or
differences between the sciences and the arts. Meaning that Ancient Non-western
art was usually a useful or dedicated tool of everyday life or social
importance. Modern art is typically viewed as a luxury or a hobby, in the
ancient times art was a scientific necessity. A way to convey an intelligent idea
or concept. One piece of non-western art that exemplifies this is the Aztec sun
stone.
The
Aztec Sun Stone is a 24-ton sculpture honoring the sun god Tonatiuh. It was
discovered in Mexico City in 1790. This artifact was carved in the 15th century
shortly after the year 1502. It is perhaps the most significant relic of
Pre-Columbian culture in Mexico. This object made of basaltic porphyry,
measures thirteen feet in diameter, and is a time tested link to Mexico's extensive
and fascinating past. It is also a combination of Aztec sciences and mythology.
It depicts Tonatiuh, the four previous sun gods, and the 20 days of the Aztec
calendar, among many other symbols. The stone was discovered in the middle of
the seventeenth century around to 1790, at the “Zocalo or Central Plaza of Mexico
City” (arana). The Zocalo marks the ancient capital of the loosely associated
Aztec "empire," a place the Aztecs called Tenochtitlan. According to a
legend, ”the Aztec people were to found their capital when they came across the
precise spot being marked by an eagle sitting on a prickly-pear cactus and
devouring a snake” (Cartwright).The Aztecs later decided to change the name of
their capital from Tenochtitlan to Mexico, in honor of their war god, Mexitli.
When
deciphered the sun calendar, revealed a sophisticated and unprecedented
knowledge of astronomy. Aztec astronomy, based heavily upon astrology, “divided
the solar year into 18 months of 20 days each with 5 intercalaries - days
inserted into the calendar to make it correspond to the solar year” (ARANA).
The days were labeled by consecutive hieroglyphics. The Aztec priests used the
stone calendar to monitor and keep track of important festivals and sacrificial
seasons. With the assistance of the calendar, the priest could track the hours
of the day, the periods of equinoxes, solstices, and the changing path of the
sun.
The
face of the stone contains various mythological and astrological figures and
signs in geometrical patterns:
“The
outer border contains two serpents which represent time and the chief Aztec
gods. Within this border are the rays emanating from the central figure which
represents "Tonatiuh’s," the Sun god. Again, according to legend,
Tonatituh's heaven was the highest place attainable by those who had reached
fulfillment here on earth. Surrounding the central sun figure are seven rings
of varying dimensions. Above the face of the Sun god is an arrowhead
symbolizing the wind. In the rectangles above and below the eagle's claws, at
the right and left of the sun's face, are symbolic representations of the four
elements, air, fire, water, and earth. An interesting legend surrounds these
four symbols. It is called the legend "del Quinto Sol." The legend of
the Fifth Sun” (ARANA).
Each
part of the Aztec calendar correlates to a different season, planet, or label
for a calendar year. Each symbol, groove, and tiny detail serves a given
purpose that archeologist are still trying to decipher.
The
Aztec calendar has emerged as a remarkable instrument of science and religion,
a lasting tribute to the Aztec culture and impressive knowledge. I am very impressed
by the details and astrological details and accuracy that the Aztecs were able
to encompass. What makes this feat even more remarkable and spectacular, is the
lack of scientific instruments available to the Aztecs during this time. This
is implies that the Aztecs were able to accurately track the movement of the
sun, stars, and other celestial formations with their naked eye. Another fascinating
fact is how they were able to create this geometric patterns that are all consistent
and symmetrical of each other. When one thinks of these ancient civilizations we
usually don’t associate them with astrological discoveries or advances, but
usually with architectural feats such as pyramids or other monuments.
The
Aztecs had their own major advancements and a well-established culture prior to
the old world’s involvement in the new world. Not only was the scientific
aspect of their culture extremely accurate and detailed, but they also used art
in order to express their scientific and astrological discoveries.
Work
Cited:
Arana,
Louis. ""Aztec Calendar Stone." "Aztec Calendar Stone"
Griffith Obersver. Web. 4 Oct.
2015.
Cartwright,
Mark. “Sun Stone,” Ancient History Encyclopedia. September 04, 2013. http://www.ancient.eu /Sun_Stone/.
Web. 01 Oct. 2015
Cartwright,
Mark. “Tenochtitlán,” Ancient History Encyclopedia. September 25, 2013. http://www.ancient.eu /Tenochtitlán/.
Web. 01 Oct. 2015
"National
Geographic Society." Aztec Sun Stone Photo, Download, Photos. 2008. Web. 4 Oct. 2015.
