Tequitqui cross, Convento de Acolman, Mexico, 16th century THE ARTISTS fter the Conquest, European friars and Spanish master craftsmen trained Indian artisans in European artistic traditions. Many impressive churches and convents were built by natives under friars’ supervision in the early 16th century. Continuation of the pre-Columbian system of community service made it possible to build large monuments in a short period of time. During these first decades, Indian art in the service of Christianity sometimes retained pre-Columbian motifs, elements, and stylistic conventions. Art that mingled pre-Conquest motifs with European style in Mexico is called tequitqui. In the mid-16th century, pre-Columbian crafts were encouraged by the friars. Traditional manuscript painting was sponsored by friars who wanted to learn about and document native traditions. The ancient technique of feather mosaic was applied to priestly vestments and religious pictures. The native craft using corn pith paste to fashion lightweight sculpture was used for images of Christ and the saints.						1 of 2