Turquois mosaic art in ancient Mexico

"Turquois Mosaic Art in Ancient Mexico" by Marshall H. Saville is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the remarkable artistry of turquois mosaics crafted by the ancient civilizations of Mexico, primarily focusing on their cultural significance and the techniques used. The book aims to highlight the historical context and craftsmanship of this unique art form during a period when many aspects of indigenous Mexican culture faced obsolescence. At the start of the text, the author introduces the significance of turquois mosaics in the context of ancient Mexican civilization. He reflects on the lost potential of the Aztec and other tribes due to European conquest, emphasizing their sophisticated civilization, advanced craftsmanship, and unique artistic expressions. The opening also details the genesis of knowledge concerning turquois mosaic arts, citing early European encounters and examinations of artifacts, and outlines the various materials and techniques employed by ancient artisans. As the text progresses, it lays a foundation for a deeper exploration of this intricate art and its enduring legacy in the culture of pre-Hispanic Mexico. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Marshall Howard Saville (1867–1935) was an American archaeologist, born in Rockport, Massachusetts. He studied anthropology at Harvard (1889–1894), engaged in field work under F. W. Putnam, and made important discoveries among the mound builders in southern Ohio. After 1903 he was professor of American archæology at Columbia University. He also became director of an important private museum in New York, the Museum of the American Indian. Saville conducted many explorations to various places such as Yucatan, Honduras, Mexico, Ecuador and Colombia.