Ancient Bird Shirt

This bird is a pre-Spanish art design from an ancient Mexican culture. Symbolism was a part of every day life for the people of central Mexico. Symbols were used in writing, in keeping time and dates, in names and titles, on buildings and in artwork, and even in clothing. It identified and explained the gods, showed social level, and foretold good and bad fortune. In keeping with the culture of the Aztecs, much symbolism was focused around religion and war. The gods were portrayed, as were warriors and battles. These things were portrayed using realistic human forms, as well as forms of nature. For example, jaguars, snakes (rattlesnakes were a favorite), dogs, birds and even insects were common. The human forms have come to be known as a defining characteristic of the Late Postclassical period in central Mexico. Of course, these things often had various meanings intertwined. There were basic meanings for animals, for example, that would grow in complexity as they came to represent gods or a warrior class. The frog represented joy. Butterflies symbolized transformation. The monkey represented dance and celebration. Combined with other symbols, a rich story could be told.