Quetzalcoatl, God of Life, is sometimes referred to as the Plumed Serpent, the God of Art, Culture & Wisdom or the God of Wind. The Mayans called him Kukulkán. He also appeared in human form. In this painting, he appears as the life-giving aspect of the wind. The wind was seen as the breath of life and the movement of intelligence. It was believed Quetzalcoatl represented the conscious creation of the universe brought about by the union of spirit and matter. He is said to have invented and developed the arts, writing and the calendar. Quetzal symbolizes heaven and the spiritual energy, and coatl (serpent) earth and material forces. Copyright © Corina Gabaldón