Doubled-headed or paired serpents are an enduring theme in Mesoamerican mythology and religion.
In the Aztec language, Nahuatl, the word "coatl" means serpent or twin and forms part of  the
name of important deities such as Quetzalcoatl and Coatlicue.

This mosaic was probably made by Mixtec artisans working for the Aztec Royal Court, and may
have been among the treasures given by the Emperor Mocetuzohma II to Cortes upon his arrival
on the coast of Mexico in 1519.

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