Serpentine amulet in shape of duck's head

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:	0504: 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:
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:
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