t most of the works were commissioned in brass. TheBenin transition from naturalistic to stylize is better explained in the brassheads. It ranges from small, thinly cast, and naturalistic to large, thicklycast, and highly stylized. The conclusion of scholars is that in their EarlyPeriod, their heads were small and naturalistic from the Ife influence. Headsthen grew increasingly stylized during the Middle Period. Then in the LatePeriod, the heads were very large and heavy, with angular stylized features andan elaborate beaded crown.In Mexico there was also portraitures. Specifically in the Aztec Empire were theMother Goddess was created. This was a strong and powerful empire that wasdivided in classes. The religion was based on a complex pantheon that combinedthe Aztec deities with more ancient ones that had long been worshiped in CentralMexico. According to the Aztec belief, the gods created the current universe atthe ancient city of Teothhuacan. Which is similar to the Ife belief that Godscame down and created the people. The culture and purpose of the people is thento worship and honor their gods forever. This was done by sacrifice and intheir art. We are aware of the religion and the beliefs of the Aztec peoplebecause of their art. The gods were represented in statues and paintings thatwere narratives to teach their people and show respect to the gods. The MotherGoddess was a broad shouldered figure with clawed hands and feet has a skirt oftwisted snakes. A pair of serpents, symbols of gushing blood, rise from herneck to form her head. Their eyes are her eyes; their fangs, her tusks. Thewrithing serpents of her skirt also form her body. Around her stump of a neckhangs a necklace of sacrificial offerings- hands, heart, and a dangling skull. Despite the surface intricacy, the sculptures simple, bold, and blocky formscreate a single visual whole. This dramatic impact was also heightened by thecolor.This portraiture is ...
