Aztec masks and headdresses were used in religious ceremonies. They usually depicted one of the Aztec's many gods. Masks were often carved from wood or crafted in clay. The craft workers used feathers to decorate their elaborate headdresses. The feathers of tropical birds were secured on reed frames by tying each individual feather to the frame. Sometimes the artisans attached the feathers to long pieces of cloth to create colorful mosaic designs.
Ancient Aztec artisans created pottery in a number of different designs. Each held special meaning in the culture. Ceramic pottery was created using strips of clay that were layered one over the other and then shaped. The clay was commonly decorated with red, orange, black or white shapes. Ceramic pots and vessels for daily use were usually red with geometric designs. Ceremonial ceramic vessels were adorned with symbols representing a specific god or designed for a specific ceremony.
Aztec wood carvers created iconographic depictions of their gods that were used to decorate their temples. Larger wood statues were often decorated with jewels. Artisans crafted shields, spear-throwers and ceremonial masks from wood. Drums were also carved from wood. The teponaztli is an Aztec drum that was often carved to resemble a warrior. Small wooden sculptures were also carved by artisans and then ceremonially burned.
Jewelry makers created copper, silver and gold decorations that were worn around the neck, rings, nose and lips. They made jewelry from precious stones, such as jade, amethyst, turquoise and obsidian. Metal jewelry was often formed in the shape of animals. Nose and lip decorations were commonly worn by men of status in Aztec culture. The Aztecs were adept at carving and polishing gemstones using only stone and copper tools.