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Quetzalcoatl, usually depicted as the feathered serpent, was the God whose return was foretold to result in the destruction of the Aztec empire. When Montezuma, leader of the Aztecs, heard of the approach of Cortez the prophesy indeed seemed to be unfolding. His hesitation in opposing Cortez due to his fears did in fact lead to his destruction and the destruction of the Pre-Columbian cultures of Mexico. This bowl devoted entirely to the depiction of Quetzalcoatl is very rare and has considerable historical significance.