Incense Burner Lid in the Form of a Skeletal Canine

With protruding ribs and knees, and elbows seemingly scraped to the bone, this skeletal canine probably depicts Xolotl, a Postclassic deity of the night. Closely linked to the planet Venus in its evening appearance, Xolotl was paired with Quetzalcoatl, who was identified with Venus in its morning appearance. As a trusty canine follows its master, Xolotl would accompany the sun on its nighttime journey through the Underworld. Objects like this would have been placed over beads of burning incense, causing smoke to emerge from the eyes and mouth.