A year ago, beneath the surface of Mexico City, amid the shock of an earthquake, a massive serpent head carved from stone, possibly dating from the ancient period of Tenochtitlan, emerged. A year later, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), with the support of UNAM experts, still carefully preserves this work, which retains a striking 80% of its original painted surface, making it one of the surviving snake heads today. .

This discovery took place beneath the eastern part of the former UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico) law school building in the historic center of Mexico City. The statue, which weighs 1.2 tons, is 1.80 meters long, 1 meter high and 85 centimeters wide, was found with various architectural components, although it was different from its original location. Amazingly, the elements that preserved it for over 500 years (a mixture of dirt and water) also preserved the stucco and shades of its original colors: ocher, red, blue, black and white.

After the statue was excavated and cleared of dirt, a team of conservationists led by restorer Maria Barajas Rocha began conservation work. Barajas Rocha emphasized the importance of preserving color. Showcasing Mexico’s vibrant decorative palette, the colors are delicate and derived from mineral and plant sources.

The Mexicans of the time, commonly known as the Aztecs, were an indigenous Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico between the 14th and 16th centuries. Originating as a nomadic tribe in northern Mexico, it eventually migrated to the Mexican Basin in the 13th century. There they founded their magnificent capital, Tenochtitlan, on the site of modern Mexico City.

The serpent god of Mexico, most commonly known as Quetzalcoatl, is one of the most prominent and revered deities in ancient Mesoamerican cultures, especially among the Aztecs. Quetzalcoatl is often depicted as a feathered serpent combining the qualities of bird (quetzal) and serpent (coatl).

After all, it is worth noting that the found head of the snake has scales, not feathers.

This serpent god is associated with various aspects of Mesoamerican life, including knowledge, creation, wind, and fertility. In many myths, Quetzalcoatl is seen as the creator of the boundary between earth and sky, and is also believed to have created humanity by using his blood to revive bones. Over time, Quetzalcoatl’s multifaceted nature has led to different interpretations and roles in different Mesoamerican cultures, but he remains a symbol of the interconnectedness of the earthly and celestial realms.

In collaboration with UNAM, a humidity-controlled room has been created, where work to preserve the colors will continue until early 2024. This environment allows the moisture accumulated in the stone over centuries to gradually rise to the surface, minimizing the risk of discoloration, cracking or salt crystallization.

Archaeologists Patricia Ledesma and Salvador Pulido appealed for patience and understanding from both the media and the public. The stabilization process, during which the statue will remain closed, will continue next year, as any change in the microclimate could damage the statue.

At the same time, the UNAM National Scientific Laboratory team is investigating the materials from which the carving is made and is also conducting research on the historical context, iconography and symbolism of the statue. Source