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Double-Spouted Bridge Vessel Depicting Human and Jaguar Head Serpent

Double-Spouted Bridge Vessel Depicting Human and Jaguar Head Serpent

Date: c. AD 650 - 800 (Middle Horizon Period)
Medium: slipped earthenware
Credit Line:Gift, David Bernstein and Family
Object number: 2006.6.1
This double-headed human/jaguar duality serpent demonstrates shamanic transformation. The arc of the serpent's body provides the handle and symbolizes the path of the sun through the sky. The serpent's scales suggest cacti and mountains. Four pepinos, a cucumber-like vegetable, provide the energy source for the transformation.
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