The Aztecs created numerous works of sculpture, utilizing both the volcanic stone that was native to central Mexico as well as imported precious stone and wood.  The subject matter of these works varies, encompassing representations of everyday life as well as iconography with religious themes.   

The head, shown at the right, provides some idea of the Mexica mode of representing the human form.  The object was carved from the dark volcanic stone that was native to the area but also incorporates imported shell and semi-precious stones to highlight the mouth and eyes.  It is important to remember that this object was sculpted without the use of metals such as iron or steel.  Stone sculpture required painstaking effort and a significant amount of time as well as patience.   
      
 
 

 Head with inlaid eyes and teeth, 
 Mexico City, 1200-1521 CE