**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Mixtec, ca. 1200 to 1521 CE. A lovely copper finial depicting an anthropomorphic coyote holding a small staff while standing atop its hind legs. The canine figure presents a bent waist, puffy chest, sinuous arms and legs, and a visage composed of puffy eyes and cheeks, perforated ears, and a lobed headdress. The coyote may be representative of the Aztec god of mischief Huehuecoyotl ("Very Old Coyote" or "Old Old Coyote" in the Nahuatl language) given the aged, elderly appearance. The Mixtec artisans were masters of metallurgy, surpassing other Mesoamerican cultures in craftsmanship. Metallurgy was introduced into the region around 900 CE, with copper work coming to Mexico a bit later via Peru. Mesoamericans used metals for ornamentation, though their tools and weaponry remained Neolithic. Many experts agree that Mixtec metal wares set the standard for Mesoamerican cultures. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 2.125" H (5.4 cm); 3.625" H (9.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Eugene Lions collection, Switzerland

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#133766

Age-commensurate surface wear, small nicks to base, body, and head, fading to some finer features, and slight bending to overall form. Light earthen deposits as well as nice green and brown patina throughout.