Aztec Dance

The origins of Aztec dances go back to pre-Hispanic Mexico. They started as ritual dances to worship the gods and to commune with nature. The dancers formed large circles and offerings were placed in the center, where they believed all energy to be concentrated. Aztec dances were also considered to be a ritual cleansing of body and soul and a medium to reach a higher plane of consciousness closer to man's origins and destiny. The size, posture, and expressive gestures of this porcelain creation entailed a highly complex process of elaboration, making it an excellent example of Lladro's technical and decorative virtuosity. Taken overall, the feathers, the knee and ankle cuffs, the skirt, and the breastplate have been worked with minute ornamental detail and with meticulous use of enamels and metallic lusters. The decoration of the feathers called for a wide range of different tones of green and the use of airbrush solutions with newly created colors. Special attention was also paid to the decoration of obsidian, a stone used in weapons and banners, which has been believed since ancient times to possess protective powers and to ward off negativity. A work that conveys the power and energy of these traditional dances. Lladro