Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Feathered Coyote

Artist/Maker Aztec (Central Valley, Mexico)

Dateca. 1350-1521

Mediumbasalt

DimensionsOverall: 11 1/2 x 6 x 8 in. (29.2 x 15.2 x 20.3 cm)

ClassificationsVisual Works

Credit LineGift of The Rubin - Ladd Foundation

Terms

Object number2008.39.23

DescriptionThroughout North and Central America, the coyote is seen as a trickster, and a rich oral tradition has developed around this creature. Aztec artists excelled at the naturalistic depiction of mythological themes and this piece may represent the xiuhcoyotl or “turquoise coyote,” a powerful mascot of one of the Aztec warrior societies. Several stone feathered coyotes have been found, but this is one of the more gentle examples. The artist paid careful attention to the limbs, paws, and facial features, and shoes chose to portray the feathers at rest, which gives this feathered coyote a pleasant and well behaved appearance.

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