Vessel in the Form of a Coyote

This vessel exhibits the characteristic shiny gray slip glaze known as “plumbate” for its resemblance to lead. Made only for a brief span of time but distributed widely across ancient Mesoamerica, plumbate vessels are one of the key forms that define the Early Postclassic period. Their presence at a number of important sites suggests the existence of well-established trade networks devoted to creating and supplying luxury goods for elite consumption. The iconography of the vessels is relatively restricted. On this vessel depicting a coyote, the artist included an arrow shaft in its side and a harness around its neck, suggesting a tradition of hunting and captivity.