The artwork, titled “Feathered Serpent Ornament,” is a gold jewelry piece created by an anonymous Aztec artist between 1450 and circa 1521. It belongs to the Post-classic art movement, which spanned from approximately 900 to 1580. This ornamental artifact is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork showcases intricate craftsmanship typical of Aztec artistry, prominently featuring detailed engravings that likely symbolize the feathered serpent, a significant icon in Mesoamerican culture. The gold medium emphasizes the importance and value attributed to the piece, presenting a blend of artistic finesse and cultural symbolism. The ornament’s design exhibits an elaborate and stylistic portrayal, with precise geometric and curvilinear patterns delicately incised into the metal, reflecting the sophisticated metallurgical skills of the period.
