Serpent Head from Temple (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
This sculpture represents the Mexica (Aztec) god Quetzalcoatl. The name is a combination of the Mexica words quetzal, a brightly colored Mesoamerican bird, and coatl, meaning serpent. The feathered serpent, also known as Kukulkan by the Maya, was ubiquitous in ancient Mesoamerica. This sculpture once adorned a Mexica temple and traces of pigment suggest that it was originally painted red.
Post-Classic
Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
