Tziquetzalpoztectzin of Nohpalli Empire - Concept

A concept sketch for the Women Warrior of Nohpalli Empire, based on the Pre-Columbian civilizations such as the Incas, Mayans and Aztec. To tell you the truth, I have only done very little research about the Mesoamerican people so there will be a lot of stylized depiction of her, and may not be the most historically accurate depiction concerning the culture, fashion as well as artistic works featured by people of those time. For any of you who are more knowledgeable in this subject, please do not hesitate to correct me

The Pre-Columbian civilizations are by far, one of the most interesting subject that I have come across in my research. They were some of the most exotic and extravagant people with their entire society devoted to the worship of their many Gods, some of which demanded human sacrifice at an Industrial scale. Apart from their "blood-thirsty" image as often depicted in Media, these people were actually some of world's best and finest engineers, architects and artisans. For example, their pyramids still stand today as a testimony of their brilliance and a reminder of what were once the strongest, richest and diverse civilization that ruled half of the America.

If we look into the history of the Aztec, their great empire rose from their nomadic beginning in just over 200 years, which then proceed to conquer their neighboring tribes with ruthless determination. Their great capital of Tenochtitlan was said to be full of majesty and richest that Spanish conquistadors refer to as "the Venice of America". As for the Incas, their legacy and power could be compared to that of the Roman Empire. It is very sad that only a trace amount of these civilizations remains, but whatever they had left shall always remind of the greatness of these people.

From what I have read in the Codex of Mendoza, apparently the Aztec society had a very strong gender stereotype which placed women strictly on domestic duties. This was understood as the Aztec put so much importance about their women's fertility that any activities they considered "prevents, taboo or harmful" to reproduction were not allowed. The same idea can be found in many of the pre-columbian people, although, the Mayans did have women that reigned as their emperor or high-priestess (this was more as a result of complicated political intrigue than voluntary)

In this sketch, Tziquetzalpoztectzin is drawn with a stylized headdress, embroideries and clothing from a mix of Inca, Mayan and Aztec style. On the other hand, the shield is a reproduction of that of Aztec Eagle Warrior from various codex related to Aztec. She is by far the most ornamented and highly decorated character that I have ever drawn, and also one that heavily emphasize on the uniquely brutal concept of warfare. She may not be your typical "sexy aztec lady in skimpy" loincloth (ironically, this is common for men at that time), but she certainly knows that the fastest and the easiest way to grab a man's heart is between his fourth and firth ribs


Credit to for the suggestion a while back and dedicated to my friend who gifted me the book "The legacy of Mesoamerica:history and culture of a Native American civilization"

Inspired by the music - Jeff van Dyke - Lakota Lambada

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmHwT9…