Salt or Pepper Shaker, One of Pair

These salt and pepper shakers were inspired by small figurines thought to represent native South American Aztec gods and goddesses, such as the one illustrated here. The newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst purchased twelve sets of the shakers (one pair for each place setting) to add to an elaborate silver dinner service by Tiffany & Company that featured North American Indian figures on the handles of the silverware. Hearst also owned the large Tiffany & Company silver tray in this gallery, which replicates the famous ancient Aztec calendar stone.