Figure
Date1800-1850
MediumClay
DimensionsObject/Work: 180 x 90 x 60 mm
ClassificationsSculpture
Terms
Object numberC01000
DescriptionAztec figure of the Mexican god Quetzalcoatl (God of the Winds). The figure has 2 faces, one on the stomach, one with a plumed headdress. It is hollow with pellets inside to create a rattle.Catalogue notes say this is a faked object but detail is lacking. The Cumings and other collectors sometimes bought items purporting to be real but which were in fact tourist souvenirs passed off as ancient art. Henry Syer Cuming put a great deal of effort into uncovering fakes but inevitably some did find their way into the collections.
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