Stone Figure of Xiuhcoatl at The British Museum, London

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The serpent held a significant position in Mexica religion. Several outstanding stone sculptures have endured, with the majority of them depicting rattlesnakes carved with striking realism and great skill. This magnificent sculpture combines both realistic and mythical creatures. It showcases all the elements characteristic of Xiuhcoatl, the Fire Serpent, featuring a serpent's head, short legs ending in claws, and a curved snout. The end of the figure's tail is formed by the conventional Mexican year symbol (xihuitl): a triangle, similar to the solar ray sign, and two intertwined trapezes. The Fire Serpent is commonly depicted in Mexica art across various media, including codices (screenfold books). It is used as an example, such as a back ornament for Xiuhtecuhtli, the fire god, and Huitzilopochtli, the Mexica patron god. This piece was probably used to decorate a building. According to Guillermo Dupaix, a collector of Mexican antiquities, it originated from Texcoco, a city located on the east side of the lake where the Mexica capital, Tenochtitlan, was founded. William Bullock, also a renowned collector, acquired it in 1823 during his trip to Mexico and exhibited in London at the Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access free. Scan the World is an open-source community effort. If you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.