Serpentine amulet in shape of duck's head

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This serpentine pendant in the shape of a duck's head would have been kept to bring good luck and to allow the user access to the world of the ancestors and spirits.

The little amulet of polished serpentine shows the stylised head of a duck, with a broad beak.

Mexicans have traditionally believed that certain creatures are spirit creatures, able to communicate with the world of the ancestors and spirits. Water birds are particularly powerful as they can pass through three worlds - water, the earth and the sky.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-756-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1907.285
• Date: Between 1000 and 1532
  
• Material: Amulet
  
• Dimensions: 1.75" L
  
• What: Amulet
  
• Subject: Amulets
  
• Who:
• Where: Ancient Mexico
  
• Event:
• Description: Amulet in serpentine in the shape of a crouching quadruped with a human face: Ancient Mexico
  
• References:
  • Sheridan, J A (ed). Heaven and Hell and Other Worlds of the Dead. Edinburgh: National Museum of Scotland, 2000. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: