Aztec rugs and textiles refer to a style of textile inspired by the Aztec people’s art. The Aztecs were a civilization that lived in Central America during the 14th to 16th centuries.
We have written a short history surrounding this fascinating and culturally-important tribe, as well as their art, to help you know the history and inspiration behind our rugs.
About The Aztec People
The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican culture that lived and thrived in Mexico from 1300 to 1521 after the Mayans and Toltecs. Thanks to their triple alliance with the Mexica, Texcoco, and Tepanece tribes, they built a large empire in Mesoamerica, spanning coast to coast from current-day Mexico City (previously known as Tenochtitlan) south to Oaxaca.
The Aztecs are primarily known for their amazing architectural and engineering feats. They built their capital city, Tenochtitlan, in the middle of the west side of Lake Texcoco. Bridges and causeways connected the city to the mainland while ensuring boats like canoes could move freely throughout the lake. The city was also interlaced with canals so that residents could move throughout the city on foot or in a canoe. To keep the water levels controlled and the city filled with fresh, spring-fed water, the Aztecs built a complicated system of aqueducts and levee systems. It was a fantastic feat to be marveled at, much like their art.
The Aztec empire lasted for nearly 200 years until it was conquered by the Spanish while searching for gold. Hernán Cortés, the former governor of New Spain, led hundreds of men to overtake Tenochtitlan and rule its empire, which he successfully did until another Spanish force came to counter him in 1520. The Aztecs were free for only a year until Cortés returned in 1521 and laid siege to the city. The fall of the capital city was the final collapse of the Aztec Empire.
Defining Features of an Aztec Textiles
Unfortunately, much of the Aztec people’s buildings and culture have been lost to time, but many of their art pieces still exist in museums today. Our area rugs take inspiration from the styles of remaining Aztec art.
Colors
The Aztecs placed a great significance on every color. The meaning behind each color was related to raw materials or everyday occurrences of that color. For example, brown represented the earth, red represented blood, and blue represented the sky.
We include the color palettes used by the Aztecs. The use of their colors ensures that every rug is a bright, beautiful addition to your floor, no matter whether you put it in the dining room or bedroom.
Geometric Shapes
The Aztecs were extremely talented in many artistic pursuits, including pottery. They created beautiful pottery pieces and often decorated them with finely painted geometric designs. Many of their accessories similarly featured such geometric details.
Our rugs include geometric shapes like squares, rectangles, and plus signs made out of thick black lines. This style matches the styles used in Aztec art and it will bring movement into your interior design.
Symbolic Figures
Aztec art was highly ceremonial and many people would create pieces of art to tell myths and stories surrounding their religion. Many art pieces feature important animals like deer, snakes, birds, jaguars, and fish. You can find many of these figures in our products today.
The Difference Between Aztec & Tribal Textiles
Many people often confuse Aztec and tribal textiles, but there are some distinguishing differences. Particularly, the inspiration behind the pieces. Tribal rug designs are influenced by the various tribes that lived in North and Central America, whereas The Aztecs and their empire specifically inspired Aztec rugs.
Bring A Piece of Aztec Textiles Into Your Home with Southwestern Rugs Depot
Southwestern Rugs Depot is an all-American rug company based in Georgia. We sell rugs that are inspired by the Central and North American landscapes and the people who lived here long before settlers: the Aztecs and Native Americans.
Our rugs are made in the USA by employees who are paid a fair wage and receive benefits. All our items are made from premium EnduraNylon, so you can trust that it will stay vibrant and in top condition even after years of wear and tear. Start shopping today to find the perfect tribal rug for your home!
Free shipping is available on all orders. Products also have a 60-day return policy, so you do not have to worry about changing your mind or finding that your rug clashes with your pillows, dining room furniture, or other accessories. Contact us today to learn more!
A Brief History of Aztec Textiles
Aztec rugs and textiles refer to a style of textile inspired by the Aztec people’s art. The Aztecs were a civilization that lived in Central America during the 14th to 16th centuries.
We have written a short history surrounding this fascinating and culturally-important tribe, as well as their art, to help you know the history and inspiration behind our rugs.
About The Aztec People
The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican culture that lived and thrived in Mexico from 1300 to 1521 after the Mayans and Toltecs. Thanks to their triple alliance with the Mexica, Texcoco, and Tepanece tribes, they built a large empire in Mesoamerica, spanning coast to coast from current-day Mexico City (previously known as Tenochtitlan) south to Oaxaca.
The Aztecs are primarily known for their amazing architectural and engineering feats. They built their capital city, Tenochtitlan, in the middle of the west side of Lake Texcoco. Bridges and causeways connected the city to the mainland while ensuring boats like canoes could move freely throughout the lake. The city was also interlaced with canals so that residents could move throughout the city on foot or in a canoe. To keep the water levels controlled and the city filled with fresh, spring-fed water, the Aztecs built a complicated system of aqueducts and levee systems. It was a fantastic feat to be marveled at, much like their art.
The Aztec empire lasted for nearly 200 years until it was conquered by the Spanish while searching for gold. Hernán Cortés, the former governor of New Spain, led hundreds of men to overtake Tenochtitlan and rule its empire, which he successfully did until another Spanish force came to counter him in 1520. The Aztecs were free for only a year until Cortés returned in 1521 and laid siege to the city. The fall of the capital city was the final collapse of the Aztec Empire.
Defining Features of an Aztec Textiles
Unfortunately, much of the Aztec people’s buildings and culture have been lost to time, but many of their art pieces still exist in museums today. Our area rugs take inspiration from the styles of remaining Aztec art.
Colors
The Aztecs placed a great significance on every color. The meaning behind each color was related to raw materials or everyday occurrences of that color. For example, brown represented the earth, red represented blood, and blue represented the sky.
We include the color palettes used by the Aztecs. The use of their colors ensures that every rug is a bright, beautiful addition to your floor, no matter whether you put it in the dining room or bedroom.
Geometric Shapes
The Aztecs were extremely talented in many artistic pursuits, including pottery. They created beautiful pottery pieces and often decorated them with finely painted geometric designs. Many of their accessories similarly featured such geometric details.
Our rugs include geometric shapes like squares, rectangles, and plus signs made out of thick black lines. This style matches the styles used in Aztec art and it will bring movement into your interior design.
Symbolic Figures
Aztec art was highly ceremonial and many people would create pieces of art to tell myths and stories surrounding their religion. Many art pieces feature important animals like deer, snakes, birds, jaguars, and fish. You can find many of these figures in our products today.
The Difference Between Aztec & Tribal Textiles
Many people often confuse Aztec and tribal textiles, but there are some distinguishing differences. Particularly, the inspiration behind the pieces. Tribal rug designs are influenced by the various tribes that lived in North and Central America, whereas The Aztecs and their empire specifically inspired Aztec rugs.
Bring A Piece of Aztec Textiles Into Your Home with Southwestern Rugs Depot
Southwestern Rugs Depot is an all-American rug company based in Georgia. We sell rugs that are inspired by the Central and North American landscapes and the people who lived here long before settlers: the Aztecs and Native Americans.
Our rugs are made in the USA by employees who are paid a fair wage and receive benefits. All our items are made from premium EnduraNylon, so you can trust that it will stay vibrant and in top condition even after years of wear and tear. Start shopping today to find the perfect tribal rug for your home!
Free shipping is available on all orders. Products also have a 60-day return policy, so you do not have to worry about changing your mind or finding that your rug clashes with your pillows, dining room furniture, or other accessories. Contact us today to learn more!