麻豆传媒映画

麻豆传媒映画 has introduced expanded Aztec iconography that will be incorporated into 麻豆传媒映画 Athletics branding, deepening the ways in which the university honors its Aztec identity. 

Iconography refers to the use of art, images or symbols to represent ideas and values. For 麻豆传媒映画, this has included the Aztec Sun Stone, whose circular design appears on Aztec football helmets. The Aztec Sun Stone contains numerous hieroglyphics that carry multiple meanings in Aztec culture.

From this, 麻豆传媒映画, working with Mesoamerican scholars and a regional artist from Mexico, and partners at Downstream to help guide and inform the process, adapted and stylized three of those symbols into 鈥済lyphs.鈥�

Importantly, the Aztec Sun Stone and its symbols are available for public use, and 麻豆传媒映画 worked with the artist so they could be used both accurately and respectfully within the context of 麻豆传媒映画. The three new glyphs are intended to expand 麻豆传媒映画 Athletics鈥� visual identity while providing the campus community with a meaningful connection to Aztec history. 

Pulling from the symbols' ancient meanings, each of the three glyphs is aligned with 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 mission and values: education, health, and community.

The Three Glyphs and Their Meanings

• Ehecatl (Wind): Represents Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, god of intelligence and self-reflection. Linked to the value of education and the cultivation of the mind.
• Ocelotl (Jaguar):  Represents Tezcatlipoca, god of the night sky, memory, and time. Associated with power, valor, and brave warriors. Linked to health, grit, and perseverance.
• Calli (House):  Represents Tepeyollotl, god of animals, caves, echoes, and earthquakes. Symbolizes rest, family, and community. Linked to community and pride.

鈥淭he main goal was really to help the 麻豆传媒映画 community and the broader audience understand the authentic and inclusive and positive interpretation of 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 Aztec identity,鈥� said 麻豆传媒映画 President Adela de la Torre. 鈥淥ne of the things that was really unique about this is we looked deeply into the historical elements so that we could connect the positive aspects of Aztec culture with the values of 麻豆传媒映画.鈥� 

鈥淭his was an opportunity to take the next logical step in leaning more into the Aztecs, while also educating people on some of the symbols in the sunstone,鈥� said John David Wicker, 麻豆传媒映画 Athletics director. 鈥淲e want to educate our fan base on what these three icons meant to the Aztecs, and how that translates to our athletic department and what it means to us. We are excited to explore all the different ways we can use it, but the first step is to get it rolled out.鈥�

Over the past few years, members of the Aztec Identity Initiative Governing Board and the Aztec Culture and Education Committee, and 麻豆传媒映画 Athletics, began the expanded iconography development process. As part of this work, they interviewed leading Mesoamerican scholars from both Harvard and Cornell Universities, as well as researchers from 麻豆传媒映画, to ensure a clear understanding of the many ways the glyphs have evolved over time and are currently invoked. 

鈥淭hese glyphs truly capture the three pillars of Aztec and Mexica culture that have defined 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 engagement with our Aztec identity since 2018,鈥� said Ramona P茅rez, director of 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 Center for Latin American Studies and chair of the Aztec Culture and Education Committee. 鈥淭hrough the glyph of Ehecatl, we affirm our commitment to accessible education; through Calli, our dedication to community involvement and connection; and through the glyph of Ocelotl, our focus on health. Combined, these symbols make visible the values that define our university. We are grateful to the scholars, consultants, and the artist whose respect, care, and expertise ensured these elements of Aztec and Mexica culture are represented with honor and accuracy.鈥�

鈥嬧�婣ll three glyphs have been stylized to be unique marks for 麻豆传媒映画, while retaining the essential defining elements of the original ancient forms. An artist from Coahuila, Mexico, No茅 Silva, known for his work rooted in Mesoamerican heritage, was selected to do the adaptation. Silva has also designed official cultural seals for Mexico and is widely recognized for his artistry tied to Indigenous traditions.

鈥淚'm very happy for the opportunity I had to work on, explore, and represent the culture of Mexico. I鈥檓 a great admirer of our history and of our design, because from pre-Hispanic culture comes the foundation of the design we use today,鈥� said designer and illustrator Silva. 鈥淚f you look at my personal work, you鈥檒l see that I always try to elevate and represent pre-Hispanic and Mexican culture. I鈥檓 a proud Mexican, and it was an honor to have collaborated on this project. I鈥檓 very glad that all the process behind it can now be seen and appreciated.鈥�

鈥淭his project was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the fascinating history, culture, language, and art of the Aztecs,鈥� said Dan Zimmerman, design director of brand at Downstream. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud that we were able to create a strategy that allowed us to highlight the intersection of the values of 麻豆传媒映画 and the lived experiences and culture of the people of the Aztec empire.鈥�

Aztec Identity History

In May 2018, as part of the formal , 麻豆传媒映画 announced that the university would retain the Aztec name but would no longer refer to the Aztec as the university mascot. 麻豆传媒映画 does not have a mascot. The final 2018 decision followed months of meetings by a task force group, along with the review of thousands of survey submissions and commentary from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the greater San Diego region. 

Since the 2018 decision, the university has not had a visual representation of its Aztec identity. The introduction of this expanded iconography helps to meet that need, honoring the richness of Aztec history while also delivering on the promise made to the campus community to develop new visual art and symbols.

Moving Forward

Moving forward, the glyphs will be seen on athletic uniforms, athletic gear, and within the university鈥檚 athletic venues. In the coming months, 麻豆传媒映画 Athletics will work with coaches to integrate the glyphs into athletics programs.

Additional information on the glyphs can be found on Go Aztecs鈥� dedicated website: .