Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A finely preserved stone sculpture depicting a stylized, disembodied human head residing in the gaping maw of Quetzalcoatl (also Kukulkan, literally "feathered serpent"), the Maya god of air and learning. The serpentine head features a pair of triangular eyes that flanks the narrow snout, a few broad horizontal striations on top suggestive of feathers or scales, and a massive set of fangs trace downwards on either side of the human head. Semicircular eyes, a narrow nose, and slightly rounded cheeks comprise the minimalist anthropomorphic countenance, and the top of the forehead rests snugly within the front of the serpent's snout. While macabre in appearance, this sculpture perhaps suggests the depicted human may be alive and of superior intelligence since the effigy of Quetzalcoatl is protecting and influencing the brain rather than focusing on its consumption. Size: 13.5" L x 7.25" W x 6.5" H (34.3 cm x 18.4 cm x 16.5 cm); 10.3" H (26.2 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Ian Arundel collection, California, USA; ex-the Old Curiosity Cabinet, Los Angeles, California, USA, collected between 1950 and 1970
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#157081
Condition
Repairs to a few large fragments along top of backside, with small chips and very light adhesive residue along break lines. Loss to area of lower body as shown. Chips and abrasions to body, both heads, peripheries, and verso, with light encrustations and softening to some finer details. Nice earthen deposits throughout.