The artwork entitled “Mosaic of a Double-headed Serpent,” created by Aztec artists between c.1450 and c.1521, exemplifies Post-classic Mesoamerican artistry. Constructed from wood, resin, turquoise, shell, and hematite, this piece belongs to the genres of mosaic and animal depiction. It is housed in the esteemed British Museum in London, UK.
The artwork vividly portrays a coiled serpent with two heads, an iconic symbol in Aztec culture. The skillful application of turquoise, shell, and other materials lends a vibrant and intricate mosaic surface to the serpent’s dual heads, while the wooden structure and resin bind the components together seamlessly. The detail and craftsmanship suggest not only artistic but also cultural significance, symbolizing the duality and power that serpents held in Aztec mythology.
