 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
Pre-Columbian Americas Aztec culture (?), San Gerónimo, Mexico Fan Handle Late Post-Classic period, 1200–1521 Wood H. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm) Raymond and Laura Wielgus Collection Indiana University Art Museum, 94.221 Said to have been found in San Gerónimo, a West Mexican site quite distant from the Aztec capital, this fan handle shows motifs (a snake and a bound captive) that are consistent with Aztec iconography. The feathered serpent, called Quetzalcoatl by the Aztecs, was an important deity, and rattlesnakes are a frequent theme in Aztec art. So too is human sacrifice, which was considered necessary to maintain the good will of the gods and thus to sustain human life. The Aztecs were known as great warriors, and their "Flowery Wars" were battles waged for the primary purpose of obtaining captives for sacrifice. |
