The Teotihuacan art includes a vibrant representation of animals, illustrated as symbolic characters with regard to religious or other cultural practices. There is a great variety of animals depicted, from birds and dogs, to monkeys, jaguars and serpents. However, these figures are shown in a rather unconventional way, reflecting combination of naturalistic and abstract shapes and forms. For instance, in paintings, the animals are shown as juxtaposition of geometric shapes (circles, rectangles etc.) and natural body parts (eyes, wings, legs etc.). The multiplicity of forms used adds more dynamics to the animal’s representation, evoking admiration and doubt at the same time. Furthermore, the sculptural illustration of animals incorporates force and power, exposed through the stylization of the actual figures and their high scale. Regarding this notion of supremacy, even the warriors were attaining animal attributes, shown through their various depictions as jaguars or other strong animals. Additionally, the image of animals is used as a decorative element for architecture, but also for vases, knives and pipes.
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