Pectoral Ornament

c. 1200–1519
Location: not on view
Public Domain
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Description

This extraordinary pendant consists of a conch shell section carved in jade, enclosed in a delicate gold frame with tiny dangling bells. This symbol was worn by the deity Quetzalcoatl (Feathered Serpent), a culture hero credited in one myth with creating human life by sprinkling his blood on ground bones. The pectoral may have been worn by a priest, or by a ceremonial impersonator of Quetzalcoatl.
Pectoral Ornament

Pectoral Ornament

c. 1200–1519

Mexico, Guerrero, Ichcatiopan, Mixtec or Aztec style

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