Values of the aztecs
Designing clothes, was mainly in the upper class, it was one form of art in the Aztec culture. Women usually made the clothing, and they richly decorated them with beads, flowers, and precious metals. Gold was often used and was abundant in the Aztec empire.
Clothing based on hierarchy;
The Common people
The Ancient Aztec clothing of the common people and slaves sometimes covered very little of their bodies. Maguey clothing, rather than the cotton, was the rule. Slaves would only wear a simple loincloth. The loincloth, also worn by common people, was made from a long strip of cloth tied in front. If the man had a little higher social standing, it might be embroidered or have fringes on the two ends. The men would also wear a cloak made from a triangular cloth known as a tilmatli or tilma. It could be used like an apron to carry things, or worn as a cloak.The women would wear skirts, and a sleeve less blouse or short sleeved shirt.
The upper class
Of course the noble class and religious leaders would wear clothing that was much more adorned, though still tilmas and loincloths and skirts would be worn. There would be symbols of their particular affiliation on the clothing or in a head dress. The more prestigious clothing became brightly coloured. Gold was often used in clothing, and pendants, feathers, furs, and other forms of decoration were used. Jewelry such as necklaces, earrings and bracelets were also worn by the upper classes. Like tribes still in mesoamerica today, some wore "ear spools". Of course, for certain rituals costumes were worn which became even more elaborate. Aztec masks were used for rituals, representing various Aztec gods.
The merchants
Merchants were in a class all their own, and had a certain amount of independence that most people didn't enjoy. They often were allowed to wear more elaborate clothing.
The military
The military had their own costumes, based on what military group they belonged to - the eagle or the jaguar, for example. Even for the Aztec warrior, there was a hierarchy that was reflected by how adorned their costumes were. Those who were war heroes were allowed more jewels and more stunning clothing. The ancient Aztec clothing of the warrior offered some protection, and their head dresses also served as helmets. Some of the chiefs even wore a layer of gold. Warriors carried a simple decorated shield. They used bows, spears, and the maquahuitl - a combination sword and club
Clothing based on hierarchy;
The Common people
The Ancient Aztec clothing of the common people and slaves sometimes covered very little of their bodies. Maguey clothing, rather than the cotton, was the rule. Slaves would only wear a simple loincloth. The loincloth, also worn by common people, was made from a long strip of cloth tied in front. If the man had a little higher social standing, it might be embroidered or have fringes on the two ends. The men would also wear a cloak made from a triangular cloth known as a tilmatli or tilma. It could be used like an apron to carry things, or worn as a cloak.The women would wear skirts, and a sleeve less blouse or short sleeved shirt.
The upper class
Of course the noble class and religious leaders would wear clothing that was much more adorned, though still tilmas and loincloths and skirts would be worn. There would be symbols of their particular affiliation on the clothing or in a head dress. The more prestigious clothing became brightly coloured. Gold was often used in clothing, and pendants, feathers, furs, and other forms of decoration were used. Jewelry such as necklaces, earrings and bracelets were also worn by the upper classes. Like tribes still in mesoamerica today, some wore "ear spools". Of course, for certain rituals costumes were worn which became even more elaborate. Aztec masks were used for rituals, representing various Aztec gods.
The merchants
Merchants were in a class all their own, and had a certain amount of independence that most people didn't enjoy. They often were allowed to wear more elaborate clothing.
The military
The military had their own costumes, based on what military group they belonged to - the eagle or the jaguar, for example. Even for the Aztec warrior, there was a hierarchy that was reflected by how adorned their costumes were. Those who were war heroes were allowed more jewels and more stunning clothing. The ancient Aztec clothing of the warrior offered some protection, and their head dresses also served as helmets. Some of the chiefs even wore a layer of gold. Warriors carried a simple decorated shield. They used bows, spears, and the maquahuitl - a combination sword and club
The Aztecs worshiped hundreds of gods, each represented a different aspect of life. One thing that Aztec valued most was their religion. They worshipped hundreds of divinities and devoted much of their time to religious activities. They held many religious ceremonies. Many of these ceremonies involved human sacrifice. Aztec people often waged wars to capture prisoners to be sacrificed in these ceremonies.
Human sacrifice was highly valued to the Aztecs. The people believed they owed a blood-debt to the gods. They wanted to avert disaster by paying the endless debt. The Aztecs had 18 months in one cycle, and for each of the 18 months there was a ritual sacrifice. The victim would be painted as a part of the ritual, they would be placed on a slab where their heart would be removed and held up to the sun. The body would be thrown down the stairs of the pyramid.
No one knows how many people were sacrificed a year but it was estimated thousands a year. Some people estimate 20,000 a year.
Human sacrifice was highly valued to the Aztecs. The people believed they owed a blood-debt to the gods. They wanted to avert disaster by paying the endless debt. The Aztecs had 18 months in one cycle, and for each of the 18 months there was a ritual sacrifice. The victim would be painted as a part of the ritual, they would be placed on a slab where their heart would be removed and held up to the sun. The body would be thrown down the stairs of the pyramid.
No one knows how many people were sacrificed a year but it was estimated thousands a year. Some people estimate 20,000 a year.