Cortes/Queztacoatyl
Medium: Carrara marble
Dimensions: 190 mm x 140 mm x 55mm.
For sale.
Background: This sculpture is a commentary on the deception ofHernan Cortes, the Spanish General who led the invasion against the Aztecs. The Aztecs believed that Cortes was their God Queztacoatyl, who as prophesied had red hair, pale skin and would save their culture. History shows this was not the case.
This carving is a double mask, the 'top' mask represents Queztacoatyl. The deep grooves in the face signify a wise old diety, the nose bar also was only worn by deities or very high ranking mortals. Of course the feathers in the headdress are an essential part of Queztacoatyl's atire.The face mask underneath is Cortes, lurking under the guise of the Aztec god.
Marble was used in this carving to represent the European heritage of Cortes. The ancient Mesoamericans revered jade and carved a range of other hard stones.