Double headed serpent

• Artist + date + form

  Created by an unknown artist

  Dates between 1400-1521
• Materials

  • Cedro wood
  • Turquoise - mined as much as 1,000 miles from Aztec capital. Likely that stone was taken from subject-states as a form of tribute, and therefore is a symbol of Aztec imperial power.
  • Red thorny oyster shell
  • Pine resin
  • Beeswax
  • Mosaic - includes many tesserae pieces

  = vernacular sculpture
• Style + commissioned

  Aztec art, possible that its Moctezuma II
• Describe + give scale + composition point

  Point (1): Zoomorphic sculpture

  Reasoning (1): Depicts undulating/stylised snake with two symmetrical heads.

  
  

  Point (2): Small scale and demonstrates a closed composition

  Reasoning (2): Since its original function was both piece of jewellery worn on ceremonial occasions as a pectoral, hangs from neck.

  Reasoning/Effect: Therefore, not ‘in the round’ as was only designed to be viewed from one POV.

  HOWEVER Additional - depicted scary - Priests possibly wore it when sacrificing individuals. Shows Aztec's power. Deities can be scary. Jaws open, teeth showing.

  
• Discuss how acts as symbol + its ability

  Point: (mythic creature from Aztec religion) is likely to be Quetzalcoatl (represent feathered snake deity), symbol of renewal/fertility.

  
  

  Reasoning: Snakes shed their skin & (within Aztec culture) expelled water through mouths onto soil.

  
  

  Additional: Ability to live on both land and in water - deemed powerful, mystical beings, unrestrained from boundaries placed upon humans.
• Give point on how it acts as another symbol & link to MTPx2 & colour

  Point SYMBOL(1): Also seen as symbol of wealth and power.

  Reasoning SYMBOL(1): 2,000 shaped pieces of turquoise tiles (tesserae) in the sculpture.

  Effect SYMBOL(1): Intensifying the skill of Aztec craftsmen.

  
  

  Point MTP(2): Intense turquoise hue is enhanced by shiny patina.

  Effect MTP(2): Bringing “awe-like” shimmer to snake’s skin.

  
  

  Additional MTP: Ready thorny oyster shell was difficult to obtain as located on the seabed, needing skilful divers to acquire it.
• Give conclusion 


  Its significance as a piece of art within Aztec culture and history can be deduced from the fact that it is now located in the British Museum, London.
• Critical text 


  “an icon of Mexican (Aztec) art” (British Museum).
• COMPARE WITH SHARK

  • Only designed to be seen from one angle
  • Shows power

  Shark = seen from all angles, vulnerable, humanity has power over it.