Aztec Dress
Aztec dress plays an important role in Aztec culture. One reason they wore clothing was for protection. The Aztec army wore extensive forms of armor to protect them in times of war. They also clothed themselves because of modesty; this was the main reason for dress of the commoner. Dress also helped one to recognize social status and rank.
For example, nobles dressed differently from serfs, commoners, and slaves. Aztecs also adorned themselves in special ways to conduct ceremonies such as sacrifices. Dress is an important area in many facets of Aztec culture and played a vital role in determining class, government rank, and religion.
Dress is a common way to distinguish between Aztec social classes. Within Aztec society there are four social classes: nobles, commoners, serfs, and slaves. Nobles were the highest in rank and could easily be recognized by the manner that they dressed. To achieve noble status one could become a religious leader or inherit the status.
A common material used in noble clothing was cotton. The dress included symbols of their high rank. For example, the more one's clothing was decorated the higher rank they were perceived to have. Gold was an important adornment to a noble's dress. Another accessory to noble dress was feathers on the head and on their robes. Bright colors were also a sign the individual was of high rank. The function of noble dress was adornment and modesty. They often dressed to draw attention to themselves. The noble dress also communicated the status they had obtained.
Another function of noble dress was to show that they were involved in government and many times showed their role as religious leaders.
Commoners and serfs dressed much alike. They dressed with much less accessories and the colors used were less bright. For men of these ranks a loincloth was often all that was worn, while women often wore a simple cotton dress. The major reason for dress for these ordinary people was modesty. They also dressed for convenience and utility on the job. For example, they dressed differently for agricultural work and hunting.
Slaves often wore very little clothing. Slaves did wear jewels in holes in their face and had feathered mantles that were admired for their workmanship. A skirt of feathers completed their attire. Slave clothing didn't have much purpose. The main purpose was modesty and for general work functions.
The Aztec army dressed much differently than the rest of the culture.
The main reason for this was for protection in times of war. The dress of higher warriors was very elaborate.
Their bodies were covered with a close vest of quilted cotton. Although impenetrable the garment was very light. The wealthier chiefs often wore a thin layer of gold or silver instead of the vests. Covering this inner layer was a coat of extravagant feathers. Helmets were often made of wood and fashioned to look like the heads of animals. They also carried shields to fend off arrows and spears.
The shields were made of woven reeds with feathers lining the outside. On the cover of some shields there were figures of some animals that represented different strengths that the Aztecs believed they received from these animals. Often the warriors waved a panache of feathers dusted with stones and precious metals. They often wore collars, bracelets and earrings of the same materials.
Commoners wore body paint, which was the color of the banner of the chief who they followed. They wore very little clothing other than a simple girdle around the loins.
Warriors could earn the right to wear costumes of animals for the amount of prisoners they capture.
As one can see, the main function of army dress was for protection.