the god of Venus and the patron god of the Aztec priesthood. In some interpretations of Aztec mythology, Quetzalcoatl played the role of a war serpent, symbolizing power and authority in battle.

In fact, the mask's raised turquoise may depict the wart-faced god Nanahuatzin, who, according to Aztec mythology, sacrificed himself to the fire and emerged to become the sun.