Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico and northern Central America, Mayan Territories, Late Classic, ca. 550 to 900 CE. One of my favorites, a fantastical vessel in the form of a coyote's head with a wide, cylindrical mouth extending upward from the back of the neck. The face is fierce and deeply lined, with black-painted eyes, large ears, and the lips curled upward in a fierce snarl. The teeth are delineated and detailed, contributing to the snarling appearance. Coyotes played an important role in Mayan mythology; for example, gods sent a coyote alongside a parrot, a fox, and a crow to find a location to create human beings. They were also seen as clever tricksters. Imagine the type of person who would have identified with such a creature and drunk from a vessel in its form! Size: 7.55" W x 3.8" H (19.2 cm x 9.7 cm)

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#140821

  • Condition: Foot may be restored, but it is very difficult to tell and if so, the restoration is excellently done. Small chip from underside. Wonderful remaining details with some pigment.

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December 6, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000