Module 12: The Americas
Pillsbury, Joanne, Timothy F. Potts, and Kim N. Richter. Golden Kingdoms : Luxury Arts in the Ancient Americas Los Angeles, CA: The J. Paul Getty Museum, 2017. This is probably the most excited I’ve been to write about a realm. Why may you ask yourself? My ancestors long before me came from around here! Over the past few months I’ve been trying to convince myself to get a Quetzalcoatl (feathered serpent) tattoo on my back (currently waiting to schedule the appointment). The Quetzalcoatl is the Nahuatl name for the feathered serpent deity of ancient Mesoamerican culture. The cycle of death and rebirth is central to life, so it is a much needed and cherished thing. As the creator, he was responsible for both life and death, so the people used human sacrifices to satisfy him and gain favor. Quetzalcoatl became the God of the morning and evening star, and his temple was the centre of ceremonial life in Tula (the city associated with the Toltecs). The Aztecs worshipped deitie
