Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Aztec, ca. 1300 to 1521 CE. A truly remarkable pottery dish presenting a shallow basin and impressively thin walls that flare outwards to an annular rim, all sitting upon three legs of zoomorphic form. Boasting a lustrous burnish over hues of burnt sienna and light orange, the interior of the ancient vessel is intricately incised with a wonderful abstract motif featuring a central floral design in the basin and a geometric pattern border along the walls. Each hollow leg has been carefully formed to resemble a the head of a coyote displaying a long snout, an incised mouth, openwork, coffee-bean shaped eyes, and pointed ears. Light remains of green and black pigments accent the elaborate decoration of the basin. Size: 11.125" in diameter x 5.125" H (28.3 cm x 13 cm)

The Aztecs, like most pre-industrial societies, had a close relationship with animals and the natural landscape. Many of their cultural metaphors, adages, and omens were based on the behavior of animals, and some animals were known for their supernatural power. The coyote was one such - powerful Aztec wizards were believed to have the ability to transform into the fiercest beasts, including the coyote. Unlike the jaguar or eagle, however, the coyote also was (and still is) regarded as a trickster figure in Mesoamerican mythology, god of music and dance, called Huehuecoyotl in Nahuatl. These disembodied head forms may have served to remind the viewer of the popular headdresses that we know the Aztec wore ritually - carved statues show female and male warriors wearing avian, serpent, jaguar, and coyote headdresses. Diego Rivera even painted some of these coyote-headed warriors in his mural "The Epic of the Mexican People" (1929-1935), in the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private T. Misenhimer collection, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2008

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#161445

Collection label on base. Repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines. Expected light abrasions and scratches commensurate with age. A few char marks to exterior. Otherwise, excellent with wonderful remaining pigments and light earthen deposits in areas.