Aztec Artifact Analysis

Worksheet for Analyzing an artifact from the Aztec civilization.

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Alicia Hall

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Aztec Artifact Analysis

Worksheet for Analyzing an artifact from the Aztec civilization.

Uploaded by

Alicia Hall

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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Aztec Artifact Analysis

Part of the Aztec’s empire-building strategy was the spread of the official religion. Aztec temple models
were distributed widely, functioning as tools of empire to promote the expansion of the state religion at
the household level.

Aztec temple models replicate key details of their full-size counterparts and may have acted as
stand-ins for these buildings or served as earthly homes for deities. Some include a figure at the
summit, perhaps representing a deity, a deity impersonator, or even a personification of the temple
itself. Most of these models are square from the base through the summit. Examples with a circular
base echo the rounded structures of temples dedicated to the wind god, Ehecatl. Made in
considerable numbers with the use of press molds, these models, like the Aztec temples, were once
painted in bright colors.
Artifact Context

What civilization is this What do you already know about this civilization that could help you
artifact from? understand the artifact?

Examine the artifact and any other information provided (such as a caption) carefully, then
complete the graphic organizer below.

Artifact Description:
What is it? Identify by name How can you describe it? Focus on at In what ways is this object
or by the type of object. least TWO specific details or traits. Think part of a larger group of
about color, size, and medium (materials objects? Think about
(0.5 pt) it might be made of). Does it have any categories such as tools of a
words, symbols, or other markings? What particular occupation or a
do any writing or markings tell you? collection of objects owned
(0.5 pts) by a specific person.

Origins of the Artifact:

Who created this What do you know about the creator’s Where and when was it created?
artifact? If a personal background that might be relevant to An estimation is fine. Some sources
name is not available, this object? Think about their will identify where an artifact was
identify by a role such education, social class, occupation, found rather than created and that
as “craftsman”, gender, religion, race/ethnicity, etc. For is also ok.
“student”, or “farmer”. example, can anyone make it or would (1 pts)
Did more than one it take special skill/knowledge? If it
person contribute to takes skill, what type of person would
its creation (for have that skill? You may make
example, a carpenter inferences if needed.
and a leather worker)?

Purpose of the Artifact:

Main Purpose: Why was the Other purposes: What else For whom was this object made?
artifact created? What was it does this artifact “do” in Consider both patron and audience.
designed to do? addition to its main Who might have used this object?
Is the object useful or is it purpose? Think about its You may make inferences if needed.
decorative? If it was used for a visible functions as well as
particular purpose, what was its any “superpowers”.
purpose? Was it used as part of a
particular job or task? Was it
related to religious beliefs? Used
in daily life?
(1 pts)

Drawing Conclusions

What does the artifact tell us about… (Answer the three required questions. Optional: Respond
to any of the remaining questions as well.)

Physical Geography the natural resources in Aztec territory?

Human Geography buildings that could be found in Aztec territory? (1 pt)

Religion how the Aztec worshipped their gods?

Political System the types of things the government did for the people? (1 pt)

Human Expression ways the Aztecs communicated or expressed themselves? (1 pt)

Economic System jobs that the Aztecs held?

Science and the kinds of technology did the Aztecs had?

Technology

Social System different social classes in Aztec society?

BASED ON YOUR ANALYSIS OF THE OBJECT, what “bigger” conclusions can we make about
the civilization that made or used this artifact?

Conclusions

Sample General: What are some things we can learn about the Aztec civilization from this
considerations: artifact? (1 pt)
How did this
artifact help
people meet their
needs and
wants? What
kind of value did
the object have
(monetary,
spiritual, Specific: What is the most important point that this artifact makes about the Aztec
aesthetic, civilization? (1 pt)
sentimental,
and practical)?