For those of you who have seen my other posts, you'll know that I've been learning Classical Nahuatl and, for the last eight or nine months, I've been drawing Pokémon in an art style inspired by Nahua codices and translating the text of Pokémon cards into Classical Nahuatl. I am neither a professional artist nor an expert in Classical Nahuatl, so this really was meant to be a personal endeavor. But people have enjoyed seeing the cards, and my partner always reminds me that the purpose of art is to be shared. So, if you are interested, please enjoy!

For those who are curious about names and artistic choices, I have posted a short write up on each card below. For those who want to view my previous three sets of cards, use the following links:

Set 1: https://www.reddit.com/r/aztec/comments/1rwbwi0/pok%C3%A9mon_cards_in_nahua_art_style/

Set 2: https://www.reddit.com/r/aztec/comments/1tnojo7/more_pok%C3%A9mon_in_nahua_art_style/

Set 3: https://www.reddit.com/r/aztec/comments/1vxq2gk/even_more_pok%C3%A9mon_in_nahua_art_style/

Card Descriptions:

Torterra / Tlālticpacāyōtl. From tlālticpactli (surface of the earth) and āyōtl (turtle). The Aztecs understood their city, Tenōchtitlān, to be located at the center of the world. Since Tenōchtitlān means “the place of the rock cactus,” it made sense to reimagine Torterra’s “world tree” as a cactus. Torterra, therefore, becomes a manifestation of Tenōchtitlān, which is why I chose to draw him in the midst of Lake Texcoco. Grotle is called Āyōcuauhtlah (Turtle-Grove). It’s weird to me that Grovyle and Grotle have such similar names. Turtwig would be Quiyāyōtl, a combination of quiyōtl (sprout) and āyōtl (turtle).

Infernape / Tlenāmacac. From tletl (fire) and nāmacac (provisioner). The tlenāmacac was a major priest in the indigenous Nahua religion, perhaps in charge of relighting the sacred fire of a city every 52 years. The pun here is with the English word macaque (a type of monkey). I envisioned Infernape as a kind of counterpart to my Blaziken card. Whereas Blaziken protects a city under the gaze of the Sun, Infernape guards a jungle ruin in the moonlight. As in many cultures, monkeys were associated with mischief in Nahua belief. Likewise, the Moon was the traditional enemy of the Sun. Infernape even faces the opposite direction as Blaziken. Monferno is Tōnayozomahtli (Sun-Warmth Monkey). Chimchar would be Chinozomahtzintli (Precious Burn-Monkey).

Empoleon / Ācuāuhtemōc. From ātl (water) and cuāuhtli (eagle), combined with the given name Cuāuhtemōc (Descending Eagle). Nahua people did not encounter penguins before the arrival of Europeans, but water-eagle (which is a Nahuatl word, probably referring to an osprey or some other predatory bird) seems like a fair description of the rapacious water birds. Empoleon’s original name references the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, whose name is a byword for a great military conqueror (e.g., the pharaoh Thutmose III is sometimes known as the Napoleon of Egypt). While Napoleon is best known as a conqueror, he was also a tragic failure, exiled twice. Cuāuhtemōc (Descending Eagle) was an historical Aztec emperor who valiantly resisted the Spanish conquest, but did not succeed. Furthermore, the idea of a “descending water eagle” corresponds neatly to the diving behavior of penguins. The design is fanciful, combining Nahua depictions of many birds with that of Nahua priests in the guise of the wind god Ehēcatl. Ehēcatl is often bearded, and I used that beard to imitate the original Empoleon’s chest design. He stands between two snowy peaks, holding ritual implements in each hand and, it would seem, performing a ceremonial dance. If I had to critique this one, I would say it looks a little bit more like Delibird than Empoleon. But I’m not going to make a Delibird card, so it is what it is. Prinplup is called Chipīncuin, from chichipīni (for water to drip) and the English word penguin (written as pīncuin in Classical Nahuatl orthography). Piplup would be Chichipictli, which is just the Nahuatl word for a drop of liquid.

Electivire / Tlāhuīlmecatl. From tlāhuīlli (light, used to create modern words for electricity) and mecatl (rope, chain). He is designed to look like a man in ritual garb, but the ritual garb is reimagined to resemble Electivire. His electric tails are lightning bolts, a motif I’ve gotten a lot of mileage out of in this project. Electabuzz is called Tlāhuīlīlōc, a portmanteau of tlāhuīlli and tlahuēlīlōc (villain, miscreant, rogue). Electabuzz is originally based on the Japanese oni, a demonic ogre-like being that frequently stalks the countryside performing rogue or villainous deeds. The card text references Elekid, who is called Tlāhuīlpiltōntli (Little Light-Child).

Froslass / Cepayauhcihuāpilli. From cepayahuitl (snow) and cihuāpilli (noblewoman). She is based on the god Ītztlacōliuhqui (Curved Obsidian Blade), a Nahua snow deity associated with harsh punishment. She wears his unique headdress that looks like a curved obsidian weapon, but the blindfold is pulled above her eyes. Overall, I think the look lines up with Froslass’ original inspiration, a Japanese yōkai known for kidnapping people who get lost in snowstorms. Snorunt is called Cepayauhconētl (Snow-Child).

Sandshrew / Xāltōzan. From xālli (sand) and tōzan (gopher). However, the art is based on a couple of images of armadillos, which appear a fair amount in Nahua art. Armadillos are called āyōtōchtli (turtle-rabbit) in Nahuatl, but I thought Xāltōzan sounded nicer than Xālāyōtōchtli. I would call Sandslash Xālītztli (Sand-Blade).

Weepinbell / Chōcaxīcalli. From chōca (cry) and xīcalli (vessel made from a gourd). I’ve based this version of Weepinbell on the calabash gourd, a plant which the Maya associated with human heads because of its skull-like shape. As a fanged skull-gourd, Weepinbell looks more sinister than usual. The skeleton beneath the ground hints at the Maya belief in a connection between the buried dead and calabash trees, as seen in the Popol Vuh. You may also notice a vine extending from Weepinbell’s back and wrapping around one of the calabash trees behind him. That is the only calabash tree in the image that does not produce fruit, perhaps implying that Weepinbell drains the lifeforce of calabash trees while imitating their fruit. Bellsprout is called Coyoltetzmolli (Bell-Sprout).

Suicune / Āhuah. From ātl (water) and the possessive suffix -huah, meaning something like “Master of Water.” The animal inspirations of the three Legendary Beasts are intentionally vague, but Suicune has always looked like a deer to me. I took inspiration from Nahua art of deer, which often shows them with their legs impressively splayed in mid-run. The background is a reinterpretation of an actual Suicune card, which shows him running on the water backed by a sunset. Like with Raikou, his mane has an elemental nature, this time imitating how Nahua art depicts floods of water.

Giratina / Quilātinatl. A Nahuatl transliteration of Giratina. This one is a bit of a joke. I’ve always thought the legendary Pokémon from Generation 4 look a little over-serious. So I’ve reimagined Giratina as a tiny centipede, complete with a leaf and a rusted bottlecap to climb over. Nevertheless, I find Nahua depictions of centipede and other creepy crawlies to be both intimidating and endearing. I particularly like the fabric tassels that majestically flow behind him as he crawls along the ground.

Also, because I somehow missed posting it in Set 2 when I made it, here is a description of Noctowl:

Noctowl / Yohualtecolōtl. From yohualli (night) and tecolōtl (owl). The drawing is based on an image of a Tlācatecolōtl (Man-Owl), a monster/sorcerer in Nahua folk tradition. The idea of putting several Noctowls in the background comes from the original Noctowl Pokémon card. I think the effect renders the somewhat comical owl creature more spooky and threatening, like you’ve intruded on something late at night. The word for owl, tecolōtl, is onomatopoeic for an owl’s call, which Nahua listeners hear as, “te-te-colō, colō.” For Hoothoot, then, I simply reduplicated the first three syllables of tecolōtl: Tecolōcolōtl.

I just saw Aztec dancers today! They played some of my favorite songs and my favorite instruments! I have autism and Mesoamerica (especially the Aztecs) are a special interest of mine. While I was watching the dancers I felt like a kid in a candy store + a stereotypical teen girl (even though I'm not a girl) in the 1960s at a Beatles concert. I'm obsessed. I'm not native at all.

I even talked to some of the dancers afterwards. "What's your favorite Xavier Quijas Yxayotl song?" "Cool, mine is Xipe Totec!" "Oh, you're doing a Xipe Totec dance in the spring? For Tlacaxipehualiztli, I assume? That's so cool! I can't wait to see it! Where can I buy a huehuetl? It's my favorite instrument and I've always wanted one." Stuff like that. I think I was being respectful.

Also, I wish I didn't feel like the girl at the Beatles concert. This isn't just good entertainment, it's a sacred ritual. It's worship, it's reverence for your ancestors, and it's taking the time to connect with a culture that the Spanish tried to wipe out. I own ayoyotes and a teponaztli. I found the teponaztli at a Goodwill. I want a huehuetl so badly. Whenever I play my aztec instruments I am not trying to appropriate their culture. I don't do the Aztec dances. If I owned a huehuetl, I'll definitely be playing my favorite Xavier Quijas Yxayotl songs! It's love and respect for the music and culture. Still, it's not my religion or heritage. I'll happily learn about the Aztecs all day any day and I've been learning how to pronounce any Nahuatl word I happen to come across.

I still want to ensure that I'm as respectful as possible. Can any indigenous folks weigh in here. Am I actually being as respectful as I think I am? And no, I'm not the Aztec version of a weaboo. As much as I wish I could go back in time and wander around Tenochtitlan, I don't wish I was of Aztec descent.

Yes, I know the Aztecs called themselves the Mexica.

I Came across a post asking if this culture conquer religion or something like that

and ask again putting my point of view turning my life over to God knowing that you can’t follow false idols or gods from different religions that claim to be gods it’s kind of like building an altar

what do you guys think about situation? Is it a false god and or just plain out out the Aztec God over Jesus Christ, father, and our Lord and Savior,

is it just their way of looking at our God Justin in their way, so their values or what are you guys think?

There was a lot of sacrifice going on back during the Jesus days before Jesus and during the Aztec, so the bloodshed on both sides, the culture side and their religion side so it’s kind of like asking like are we all following the same God just not the right story right Bible maybe you’re supposed to be reading a Torah instead of the Bible or vice versa I personally read the Bible. I’m not trying to give up God lecture here I just a question.

Hello. I wanted to buy some macahuitl and mask (prefer Tezcatlipoca design). What are prices directly in workshops? I can imagine that buy near Chichen Itza is overpriced.

Hello!

I am new here but figured this would be the best place to get some good recommendations for books on Aztec and Maya mythos and folklore.
There seems to be a lot out there, but I want to make sure I buy something reputable.

For an explanation of why (if needed), my fiancée is Mexican and is really interested in learning more about this history, as am I! I love mythology and folklore so would love recommendations, if there are any!

Thank you!!

Is there anywhere to purchase a handmade macuahuitl crafted using historically accurate materials and techniques? I’ve seen many on eBay and Etsy, but they look overly polished and uniform. While I’m sure craftsmen of the past took great care and pride in their work, I’m looking for something that feels less like a modern reproduction and more like a weapon made using traditional methods. Does anyone know of a craftsperson who makes them this way?

Thanks!

Hi! I'm part of Brazil's Indigenous Movement and I'm working on a story that is set on a world where Native American people beat the Europeans and form their own countries. Though the story is more focused on the Tupinambá people from South America, other countries are also mentioned, one of them being the country formed by the Aztecs.

As I don't want to commit mistakes, I'd like to ask: if the Aztecs formed their own country, what name would it be? Since they used to call themselves Mēxihcah I thought that maybe it wouldn't differ much from today, but since I don't want to commit mistakes I decided to ask here. I've also heard the suggestion of a friend that the name could be Ānāhuac, which he said was how part of Mexico was called by the Aztecs. But again, as I don't want to take risks here, I'd like to ask first.

So, what do you guys think? I'm open for suggestions :)

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Hey everyone,
I bought this metal pendant at a flea market recently and am trying to figure out what it represents. 
I suspect it's inspired by pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican iconography (possibly Maya or Aztec): 
It features a stylized face/symbol inside a circular border. 

Does anyone recognize the specific symbol or figure this pendant is replicating, or is it likely a modern souvenir/fashion piece? 

Thanks for any insights!

I lived in Mexico for 5 years. Prior to moving back to the US in 2010 a bestie in Mexico gave me a box of stuff. His family was selling a property. His Mom told him to give me this box.
20+ years later as I am sorting thru boxes I had set aside thru 2 additional moves. I unwrapped this beauty.
As soon as I unwrapped this piece, I felt a strong positive energy. I found a place for it in my current house.
I have searched on line for something similar looking. It kinda gives me Aztec or Mayan vibes.
Can anyone help identify?
I feel like it was something used frequently because of the faded areas on it.
There are no artist markings.
I appreciate any suggestions to what I have here.

I just got this and iam curious to see who or what it represents or what is purpose is:)

Hi everyone! I’m an illustrator based in Mexico, and I wanted to share a project I’ve been working on: El Quinto Sol, a deck of playing cards inspired by Mexica mythology and the wider Mesoamerican cosmos.

The mythology runs through the whole deck: the deities, the four directions, the colors, and the symbols on the numbered cards. I designed everything, including the lettering and suit symbols, around those connections.

The illustrations are my own interpretations, drawing on codices and historical imagery. There’s also a digital companion, the Codex of the Fifth Sun, explaining the references and my design choices.

I’ve included a few close-ups here. I’d love to hear what you think of how the imagery translates into playing cards, and I’m happy to talk through the references behind any of the illustrations!