Rafael Mena Illustration
@rafaelmenai.bsky.social
Mexican Archaeologist and Illustrator focused on Mesoamerica
*Not American*
rafaelmena432@gmail.com
https://www.patreon.com/Rafaelmena
*Not American*
rafaelmena432@gmail.com
https://www.patreon.com/Rafaelmena
Hey guys, I'm having some troubles with the landlord and I might be needing to find a new place soon.
I don't really want to beg for cash or anything so I'd appreciate if you guys could lend me some support over on the Patron if you're able ofc.
www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena
I don't really want to beg for cash or anything so I'd appreciate if you guys could lend me some support over on the Patron if you're able ofc.
www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena
October 6, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Hey guys, I'm having some troubles with the landlord and I might be needing to find a new place soon.
I don't really want to beg for cash or anything so I'd appreciate if you guys could lend me some support over on the Patron if you're able ofc.
www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena
I don't really want to beg for cash or anything so I'd appreciate if you guys could lend me some support over on the Patron if you're able ofc.
www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena
Sketch of a Maya warrior wearing fantasy metal armor.
Part of a series of commissions that re-imagine Mesoamerican warriors if the region had developed steel. The intention here is more focused on fantasy, revisiting cultural and iconographic elements of the Classic Maya -
Part of a series of commissions that re-imagine Mesoamerican warriors if the region had developed steel. The intention here is more focused on fantasy, revisiting cultural and iconographic elements of the Classic Maya -
July 31, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Sketch of a Maya warrior wearing fantasy metal armor.
Part of a series of commissions that re-imagine Mesoamerican warriors if the region had developed steel. The intention here is more focused on fantasy, revisiting cultural and iconographic elements of the Classic Maya -
Part of a series of commissions that re-imagine Mesoamerican warriors if the region had developed steel. The intention here is more focused on fantasy, revisiting cultural and iconographic elements of the Classic Maya -
The "Relacion de Michoacan" is under appreciated for these little gems; Like, get your shit together Zurunban, jeez:
June 28, 2025 at 6:23 PM
The "Relacion de Michoacan" is under appreciated for these little gems; Like, get your shit together Zurunban, jeez:
WIP of an oil painting I'm working on depicting Cazonci Tariacuri, the king of Patzcuaro and the person who laid the foundations for the Tarascan empire.
You can check out advances I've posted, and will continue to post, on Patreon, cheers!
www.patreon.com/Rafaelmena
You can check out advances I've posted, and will continue to post, on Patreon, cheers!
www.patreon.com/Rafaelmena
June 2, 2025 at 6:11 PM
WIP of an oil painting I'm working on depicting Cazonci Tariacuri, the king of Patzcuaro and the person who laid the foundations for the Tarascan empire.
You can check out advances I've posted, and will continue to post, on Patreon, cheers!
www.patreon.com/Rafaelmena
You can check out advances I've posted, and will continue to post, on Patreon, cheers!
www.patreon.com/Rafaelmena
Isometric illustration of Sacsayhuaman (Fortress of the Royal Falcon), 2024.
Citadel of Cusco, the capital city of the Tahuantinsuyo (Incan empire).
Citadel of Cusco, the capital city of the Tahuantinsuyo (Incan empire).
May 17, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Isometric illustration of Sacsayhuaman (Fortress of the Royal Falcon), 2024.
Citadel of Cusco, the capital city of the Tahuantinsuyo (Incan empire).
Citadel of Cusco, the capital city of the Tahuantinsuyo (Incan empire).
Currently working on an oil painting of Cazonci Tariacuri, king of Patzcuaro and founder of the Tarascan empire.
You can support me, see photos of the painting as it advances, WIP's and other unpublished projects in the site linked below:
You can support me, see photos of the painting as it advances, WIP's and other unpublished projects in the site linked below:
May 2, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Currently working on an oil painting of Cazonci Tariacuri, king of Patzcuaro and founder of the Tarascan empire.
You can support me, see photos of the painting as it advances, WIP's and other unpublished projects in the site linked below:
You can support me, see photos of the painting as it advances, WIP's and other unpublished projects in the site linked below:
Not too long ago I discovered for myself this obscure XIXth century painting by Alejandro Casarín, that depicts Motecuhzoma II and Cortés inside one of the Great Temple's sanctuaries.
It's interesting the way our depictions converge and diverge while tackling the same subject.
It's interesting the way our depictions converge and diverge while tackling the same subject.
April 8, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Not too long ago I discovered for myself this obscure XIXth century painting by Alejandro Casarín, that depicts Motecuhzoma II and Cortés inside one of the Great Temple's sanctuaries.
It's interesting the way our depictions converge and diverge while tackling the same subject.
It's interesting the way our depictions converge and diverge while tackling the same subject.
- Battle of Andahuaylas
Private commission set in the Fallout universe illustrating a skirmish in post-apocalyptic Peru, between the Inka Awqaqkuna, a faction of Inca irredentists, and the Shining People's Liberation Army, descendants of the PCP-SL, somewhere near Andahuaylas and Abancay.
Private commission set in the Fallout universe illustrating a skirmish in post-apocalyptic Peru, between the Inka Awqaqkuna, a faction of Inca irredentists, and the Shining People's Liberation Army, descendants of the PCP-SL, somewhere near Andahuaylas and Abancay.
March 15, 2025 at 10:38 PM
- Battle of Andahuaylas
Private commission set in the Fallout universe illustrating a skirmish in post-apocalyptic Peru, between the Inka Awqaqkuna, a faction of Inca irredentists, and the Shining People's Liberation Army, descendants of the PCP-SL, somewhere near Andahuaylas and Abancay.
Private commission set in the Fallout universe illustrating a skirmish in post-apocalyptic Peru, between the Inka Awqaqkuna, a faction of Inca irredentists, and the Shining People's Liberation Army, descendants of the PCP-SL, somewhere near Andahuaylas and Abancay.
Hey guys, I know it's a hard ask but I'd appreciate your support if you're able. I have a lot of great ideas for paintings, from all around the Americas and outside of it, and it would be of great help if you chipped in with even a dollar.
www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena
www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena
February 28, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Hey guys, I know it's a hard ask but I'd appreciate your support if you're able. I have a lot of great ideas for paintings, from all around the Americas and outside of it, and it would be of great help if you chipped in with even a dollar.
www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena
www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena
“The First City” of Skull Island
Comission done for a fantasy setting by LegendofKong
Skull Island, located somewhere near Southeast Asia, is a unique land where dinosaurs roam and Kongs, the greatest of apes, reign supreme. Yet, despite the inherent dangers, humanity thrives.
Comission done for a fantasy setting by LegendofKong
Skull Island, located somewhere near Southeast Asia, is a unique land where dinosaurs roam and Kongs, the greatest of apes, reign supreme. Yet, despite the inherent dangers, humanity thrives.
February 1, 2025 at 7:22 PM
“The First City” of Skull Island
Comission done for a fantasy setting by LegendofKong
Skull Island, located somewhere near Southeast Asia, is a unique land where dinosaurs roam and Kongs, the greatest of apes, reign supreme. Yet, despite the inherent dangers, humanity thrives.
Comission done for a fantasy setting by LegendofKong
Skull Island, located somewhere near Southeast Asia, is a unique land where dinosaurs roam and Kongs, the greatest of apes, reign supreme. Yet, despite the inherent dangers, humanity thrives.
These sharpened wooden paddle structures with stone/glass/toothed edges are a weapon system within their own right!
With spear, axe, haldberd and pike analogues, and more than a dozen regional varieties just within the "swords". Some designed for 1x1 combat, others for formations
With spear, axe, haldberd and pike analogues, and more than a dozen regional varieties just within the "swords". Some designed for 1x1 combat, others for formations
January 22, 2025 at 6:55 PM
These sharpened wooden paddle structures with stone/glass/toothed edges are a weapon system within their own right!
With spear, axe, haldberd and pike analogues, and more than a dozen regional varieties just within the "swords". Some designed for 1x1 combat, others for formations
With spear, axe, haldberd and pike analogues, and more than a dozen regional varieties just within the "swords". Some designed for 1x1 combat, others for formations
It's odd that the Macuahuitl, famed sword of the Aztecs, is treated as this extravagant and esoteric weapon, when the conceit of the tech is not only common throughout the entirety of the Americas, but also Polynesia, with dozens of archaeological/ethnographic examples.
January 22, 2025 at 6:55 PM
It's odd that the Macuahuitl, famed sword of the Aztecs, is treated as this extravagant and esoteric weapon, when the conceit of the tech is not only common throughout the entirety of the Americas, but also Polynesia, with dozens of archaeological/ethnographic examples.
Updated my tiers on that site that people can give artists money on! Supporters will receive early access to all my work and illustrations, and some new rewards as well! Please support me so I can continue making art for everyone, in increasingly better quality! Link in bio
January 3, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Updated my tiers on that site that people can give artists money on! Supporters will receive early access to all my work and illustrations, and some new rewards as well! Please support me so I can continue making art for everyone, in increasingly better quality! Link in bio
Guaranga Auccak Pusarik Chankay Inca
My interpretation of an Inca guaranga chankay captain
According to some chronicles, individuals in the service of the Inca administration who achieved success and stood out in administration or war were considered "privileged Incas."
My interpretation of an Inca guaranga chankay captain
According to some chronicles, individuals in the service of the Inca administration who achieved success and stood out in administration or war were considered "privileged Incas."
January 1, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Guaranga Auccak Pusarik Chankay Inca
My interpretation of an Inca guaranga chankay captain
According to some chronicles, individuals in the service of the Inca administration who achieved success and stood out in administration or war were considered "privileged Incas."
My interpretation of an Inca guaranga chankay captain
According to some chronicles, individuals in the service of the Inca administration who achieved success and stood out in administration or war were considered "privileged Incas."
I feel like seeing an Aztec army in action would have been a sight to behold.
Several sources, both spanish and indigenous, tell us that Nahua armies were densely packed and highly disciplined, comprised of color coded units that fought within tightly knit formations.
Several sources, both spanish and indigenous, tell us that Nahua armies were densely packed and highly disciplined, comprised of color coded units that fought within tightly knit formations.
December 27, 2024 at 1:55 AM
I feel like seeing an Aztec army in action would have been a sight to behold.
Several sources, both spanish and indigenous, tell us that Nahua armies were densely packed and highly disciplined, comprised of color coded units that fought within tightly knit formations.
Several sources, both spanish and indigenous, tell us that Nahua armies were densely packed and highly disciplined, comprised of color coded units that fought within tightly knit formations.
ArtvsArtist 2024
December 25, 2024 at 4:40 PM
ArtvsArtist 2024
The Lord Sun, Tonatiuh.
Happy holidays everyone, I hope you have a good one. Also please stick around for a little something I have for all of yall before the year ends!
Happy holidays everyone, I hope you have a good one. Also please stick around for a little something I have for all of yall before the year ends!
December 24, 2024 at 6:17 PM
The Lord Sun, Tonatiuh.
Happy holidays everyone, I hope you have a good one. Also please stick around for a little something I have for all of yall before the year ends!
Happy holidays everyone, I hope you have a good one. Also please stick around for a little something I have for all of yall before the year ends!
Teotihuacano Knappers
Private commision, illustration of Teotihuacano obsidian knappers from the barrio of Tlajinga.
Private commision, illustration of Teotihuacano obsidian knappers from the barrio of Tlajinga.
December 19, 2024 at 7:18 PM
Teotihuacano Knappers
Private commision, illustration of Teotihuacano obsidian knappers from the barrio of Tlajinga.
Private commision, illustration of Teotihuacano obsidian knappers from the barrio of Tlajinga.
An alt. version: No less historically accurate, it represents a sleeveless suit and barefooted, as soldiers liked to go to battle on occasion. They were made of hardier stuff!
December 3, 2024 at 10:28 PM
An alt. version: No less historically accurate, it represents a sleeveless suit and barefooted, as soldiers liked to go to battle on occasion. They were made of hardier stuff!
Acolhua Nobleman in military paraphernalia (2020).
Illustration of an acolhua nobleman from the kingdom of Texcoco. Based on the Matritense codex.
Illustration of an acolhua nobleman from the kingdom of Texcoco. Based on the Matritense codex.
December 3, 2024 at 10:26 PM
Acolhua Nobleman in military paraphernalia (2020).
Illustration of an acolhua nobleman from the kingdom of Texcoco. Based on the Matritense codex.
Illustration of an acolhua nobleman from the kingdom of Texcoco. Based on the Matritense codex.
"Passing by"
Private Comission
A pair of Kuikuro villagers travelling through the densely settled Xingu river.
Private Comission
A pair of Kuikuro villagers travelling through the densely settled Xingu river.
December 2, 2024 at 7:55 PM
"Passing by"
Private Comission
A pair of Kuikuro villagers travelling through the densely settled Xingu river.
Private Comission
A pair of Kuikuro villagers travelling through the densely settled Xingu river.
A couple of years ago I was commissioned to make a mock up of an Aztec (Nahua/Mexica) village. The idea was to push historical accuracy as far as possible within specified constraints, in a 2D isometric style with a painterly approach
November 30, 2024 at 4:43 PM
A couple of years ago I was commissioned to make a mock up of an Aztec (Nahua/Mexica) village. The idea was to push historical accuracy as far as possible within specified constraints, in a 2D isometric style with a painterly approach
Hey guys, you might not know this but I also sell super cool prints on Redbubble! Check out these two canvas prints from some clients! (Yeah I know, I'm also jealous of the books and pottery on that third one).
www.redbubble.com/people/saxra...
www.redbubble.com/people/saxra...
November 30, 2024 at 12:10 AM
Hey guys, you might not know this but I also sell super cool prints on Redbubble! Check out these two canvas prints from some clients! (Yeah I know, I'm also jealous of the books and pottery on that third one).
www.redbubble.com/people/saxra...
www.redbubble.com/people/saxra...
New post up on Patreon! A WIP of my newest painting, several updates on my other projects, as well as an announcement of a Holiday special me and another artist are prepping, cheers!
www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena
(Also I know the title is wierd, stick with me, it's looking awesome)
www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena
(Also I know the title is wierd, stick with me, it's looking awesome)
November 29, 2024 at 11:24 PM
New post up on Patreon! A WIP of my newest painting, several updates on my other projects, as well as an announcement of a Holiday special me and another artist are prepping, cheers!
www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena
(Also I know the title is wierd, stick with me, it's looking awesome)
www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena
(Also I know the title is wierd, stick with me, it's looking awesome)