The artwork titled “Serpent Labret with Articulated Tongue” is a captivating piece of Aztec art, rendered in gold. This exquisite creation is a testament to the Post-classic period (circa 900-1580) and showcases the intricate craftsmanship of jewelry within animal motifs. It currently resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork showcases a serpent’s head, meticulously crafted from gold, exuding an aura of opulence and mystique. Distinctive features of the serpent, including its articulated tongue, highlight the dynamic and lifelike representation that is characteristic of Aztec artistry. The detailed texture and ornamental design around the piece amplify its aesthetic and cultural significance, making it a profound emblem of the Aztec’s reverence for serpentine symbolism in their art and mythology.