AZTEC SYMBOLS AND MORE

State Seals: Alabama to Kentucky

How many Aztec symbols can you find in these designs? Many early American symbols lie hidden within the colorful patterns of these official state seals.

The Aztecs were a Native American people also known as the Mexicas. Their civilization thrived from the 1300's to the 1500's in what is now Central Mexico. Ancient relics and artifacts from these people have been found as far north as Arizona and New Mexico, in what is now the United States of America.

Standard Aztec design included symbols like an eagle swooping down upon its prey, feathered head-dresses, costumed dancers and weapons of war. Other symbols can be found on the Aztec monthly calendar, which contains twenty days. The symbols for these days represent Snake, Lizard, House, Wind, Crocodile, Flower, Rain, Flint, Movement, Vulture, Eagle, Jaguar, Cane, Herb, Monkey, Hairless Dog, Water, Rabbit, Deer and Skull.

A state seal is an official emblem whose features are supposed to symbolize the state it represents. Alabama's seal, for instance, has a map showing the state's many rivers.

Shown at right is the official seal of the United States of America.