[Stones] 'double serpent' fonts

[littlestone]

Got a feeling I've seen some somewhere as well Ric but can't think where.

The opposing bird/animal motif goes back (at least) to ancient Persia - the creatures are either portrayed in combat (snakes, lions etc) or in courtship ritual (birds). The Persian motif was carried as far as China, Korea and Japan and is still found on silks used in the tea ceremony. No reason why the motif shouldn't have travelled west as well, or perhaps the idea was already present and didn't need much of a foreign boost.

Was fascinated to watch a couple of collard doves on the lawn a coupe of days ago take up this opposing position while feeding; they more or less faced each other as they combed and circled the ground for grain - maintaining a near perfect 360 degree circle of surveillance between them as they did so.
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