The favored form of artistic expression in the Aztec civilization was the making of sculpture.
Most sculptures were made from limestone, which was and still is, abundant in central Mexico. As in many other ancient civilizations, most Aztec art was directly related to religion. For example, the statue on the right is a scuplture of the goddess Cihuateoti. Besides limestone, the Aztecs used other materials to make sculptures, especially basalt. The sculpture on the left (Aztec corn goddess) is made of basalt. Both sculptures are dated as late 15th century-early 16th century. The most important figure in Aztec religion was Coatlique, and Aztec art is filled with representations of her in various forms. Most of these forms were all kinds of serpents, one of which is pictured on the right. Besides scuptures, the Aztecs created many other religious (and some non-religious) artistic artifacts. For instance, jade was used to make all sorts of masks. Many such artifacts would be sold at markets, often by visiting merchants.The design and making of clothing was another art form. Aztec women often made frivolous clothes for the upper class, and decorated them with such items as beads, flowers, and precious metals. Precious metals, especially gold, were found in abundance throught the empire. In fact, gold was the major motivating factor for Hernan Cortez in his conquest of the Aztecs.
Most sculptures were made from limestone, which was and still is, abundant in central Mexico. As in many other ancient civilizations, most Aztec art was directly related to religion. For example, the statue on the right is a scuplture of the goddess Cihuateoti. Besides limestone, the Aztecs used other materials to make sculptures, especially basalt. The sculpture on the left (Aztec corn goddess) is made of basalt. Both sculptures are dated as late 15th century-early 16th century. The most important figure in Aztec religion was Coatlique, and Aztec art is filled with representations of her in various forms. Most of these forms were all kinds of serpents, one of which is pictured on the right. 
Besides scuptures, the Aztecs created many other religious (and some non-religious) artistic artifacts. For instance, jade was used to make all sorts of masks. Many such artifacts would be sold at markets, often by visiting merchants.The design and making of clothing was another art form. Aztec women often made frivolous clothes for the upper class, and decorated them with such items as beads, flowers, and precious metals. Precious metals, especially gold, were found in abundance throught the empire. In fact, gold was the major motivating factor for Hernan Cortez in his conquest of the Aztecs.