| Martin Herbert : Quetzalcoatl Greets the Dawn : Watercolour with Digital Artwork : 10.5" x 14" (270 x 360 mm) : 2000 |
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The Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, here in the guise of the 'feathered serpent' was one of the four sons of the primal couple Tonacatecuhtli and Tonacacihuatl, 'Lord and Lady of our flesh'. He was god of the West, of culture, and of Witchcraft; ruler of the second Sun cycle (we are now in the fifth and central sun). Quetzalcoatl was unusual in the Aztec pantheon in displaying a certain aversion to human sacrifice ~ "When Quetzalcoatl was alive, demons tried to trick him several times, so that he would make human scarifice and kill men, But he has never yielded or consented, for he loved his vassals well...." This did not necessarily mean, however, that his attendants were keen to view his countenance directly as he rose from his pyramid lair to greet the rising Sun. The figure of Quetzalcoatl is taken from a Mexican turquoise mosiac ornament 14th - 15th C, now in the British Museum. The jewelry is from old Victorian engravings and actually originates from North Africa - that's artistic license for you! |
