After the conquest of the Aztec in 1521 by Hernan Cortez, the Franciscan missionaried prohibited the use of percussion drums which were used in the ritual Aztec dances as they were considered pagan. About 1525 the missionaried introduced string instruments, but the dances were so sacred to the indigenes people that they weren't used. Later the people created guitars from the armadillo shield. The armadillo was a sacred animal and this new instrument was called Conch or Concha, which is why many of the traditional Aztec dancers are called Concheros. They added the use of Spanish mandolins in their dance music, all strictly supervised by the missionaries.

The traditional ritual dances almost became extinct and those who performed them received death threats and were persecuted. A few secretly kept the knowledge of the steps and movements alive and today the traditional dances are being performed again by Aztec or Mexican descendants of those few, and once again include the large percussion drums. The dances represent the splendor of their heritage and honor their Aztec ancestors.

This figure is a 14 inch full body sculpt. Whit the headdress he is approximately 26 inches. His eyes are blown glass, his hair is mohair. The headdress he wears is made from Apoxi Sculpt and feathers, with gold leafing. His arm, wrist, and leg bands are also gold leafed. His costuming is beaded and tiny jewelry findings have been linked to for the fringe, plus tiny strung gold plated beads. The seed beads on their leggings are traditionally made from a special seed which is used for this purpose. These are sculpted from clay.

The performers of the Fire Dance are able to hold the fire in their hands and dance around and over the fire without being burned. The clay container at his side holds the fire and is always made from clay.