Precolumbian art is represented by Maya works in ceramic, stone, shell, and jade, Olmec, Zapotec, and Aztec sculpture, as well as pieces from the Conte and Huari cultures.

In their shapes and compression, Mr. Chillida's ceramic works bring to mind the labyrinthine density of Aztec sculptures.

An Aztec sculpture of a seated figure bears a smoking mirror on its back to represent the fifth sun.

In the 1938 pastel "White Shell With Red," a snail shell, blown up in scale, its hard skin slightly cracked, is curled up like a dog or an Aztec sculpture of a snake.

The story revolves around two aspiring actresses who stumble upon an ancient Aztec sculpture of an elephant that has the power to switch both of their bodies.

Their descendants, American Indians, come to mind when the dancers suddenly look like figurines - abstractions of kachina dolls or Aztec sculpture.

Another recalls Andre Derain's 1907 "Crouching Man," itself based on an Aztec sculpture in the British Museum.

In the museums, I saw the masterpieces of Mexican art, and Aztec and Olmec sculpture.

Check out this "Discovery Atlas" clip to learn more about how a recent discovery under modern day Mexico City revealed the largest Aztec sculpture ever to come to light.

The city's newest attraction is the Plaza de las Culturas (Av Fausto Martinez) with sculpture, murals and pyramids representing Mexico's three main ancient cultures: Aztec, Olmec and Maya.