Atlantean figures

Columns in the form of Toltec warriors in Tula

The Atlantean figures are four anthropomorphic statues belonging to the Toltec culture in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. These figures are "massive statues of Toltec warriors".[1] They take their post-Columbian name from the European tradition of similar Atlas or Atalante figures in classical architecture.

Though the most famous Atlantean figures reside in Tula, the Olmecs were the first to use Atlantean figures on a relief discovered in Potrero Nuevo.[2] Mayan sculptors also created "Atlantean" figures in Chichen Itza. Furthermore, the Aztecs also created warrior statues strongly inspired by these Atlantean figures in Tula.[3]

  1. ^ Evans, Susan (2008). Ancient Mexico and Central America: Archaeology and Culture History. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd. p. 42.
  2. ^ Bernal, Ignacio (1969). The Olmec World. California: University of California Press. pp. 58.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).