figure
- Museum number
- Am1849,0629.1
- Description
-
Coiled rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) figure made of granite. Key anatomical details, including the fangs and the bifurcated tongue are accurately depicted. There are thirteen segments to the tail. Figure has traces of red paint, which may once have depicted the specific species of rattlesnake.
- Production date
- 1325-1521 (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Diameter: 53 centimetres
-
Height: 36 centimetres
- Curator's comments
- McEwan 1994, p.69
'Rattlesnake'
This realistic depiction of a rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) accurately records many important anatomical details, including the fangs and bifurcate tongue, suggesting that the reptile's life cycle and habits were closely observed.
- Location
- On display (G27/od)
- Exhibition history
-
Exhibited:
1990 20 Oct-9 Dec, Japan, Tokyo, Setagaya Art Museum, Treasures of the British Museum, cat. no.207
1991 5 Jan-20 Feb, Japan, Yamaguchi, Prefectural Museum of Art, Treasures of the British Museum, cat. no.207
1991 9 Mar-7 May, Japan, Osaka, National Museum of Art, Treasures of the British Museum, cat. no.207
2002, London, Royal Academy, Aztecs
2003 Berlin, Martin-Gropius-Bau, Aztecs
- Acquisition date
- 1849
- Department
- Africa, Oceania and the Americas
- Registration number
- Am1849,0629.1
