Aztec Double-Headed Serpent

The Aztec Double-Headed Serpent is a turquoise mosaic sculpture possibly worn as a chest ornament during religious ceremonies. Created around 1480 CE, the carved wooden form is covered with over 2,000 turquoise tesserae, with red shell forming the mouths and white shell the teeth. The serpent's two heads may represent the earth and underworld, or the duality fundamental to Aztec thought.

Some scholars believe this ornament belonged to Moctezuma II and was among gifts given to Hernán Cortés, though documentation is uncertain. The turquoise came from distant mines in present-day New Mexico, demonstrating the extent of Mesoamerican trade networks. The object may have been worn by priests impersonating Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity.

The serpent is now at the British Museum, one of the finest Aztec turquoise mosaics to survive.