The Aztecs, a people who flourished in Central Mexico before the arrival of the Spaniards in 1519, had their own way with words.
They understood writing and painting to be deeply intertwined and their language took a painted form known as codices or manuscripts.
These remain today offering insights into Aztec history, mythology, social structure, rituals, and daily life. These codices were created using materials like animal skin and bark paper.
Argentina-born Professor Maria Chester is an authority in pre-Columbian civilisations and on Saturday, July 19, she is guest speaker at ArtsNational Noosa at Tewantin where she will talk on “The Aztec: An Introduction to the Urban Culture of the Americas Mexico.”
From her first passion that was Cave Art and Rock Art Maria developed an interest in archaeology and this has been the frame for her ongoing research.
Maria is multilingual and has taught in several South American universities. She is a senior lecturer and she also works for Berwick Visual Arts delivering conferences linked to art exhibitions complemented with guided tours in Berwick upon Tweed, England where she now lives.
In May 2018, she was made a Visiting Research Fellow at CAUA Research Centre for International Elderly Education, Shanghai, China. She became an Accredited Speaker of The Arts Society in London in that year.
Venue: 17 William Street, Tewantin. Saturday July 19, 3.45pm for a 4.00pm start. Visitors welcome $30 pp for the one hour illustrated talk. Wine and finger food after the presentation included. Bookings essential, contact: Jenny Reeve Membership secretary on: membershipnoosaadfas@gmail.com