Mixtec Stucco Pottery Huehuecoyotl Rattle Jar w/ Gilt

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Mixtec, ca. 1200 to 1350 CE. A hand-built pottery vessel in the form of a kneeling zoomorphic figure depicting Huehuecoyotl, the trickster. The cylindrical vessel rests upon the figure's bent legs and downturned toes and features curved arms in relief on either side of the body, hunched shoulders, and a craned neck with a tall rim on top. The protruding head features a tapered snout in front of petite eyes and perky ears. Traces of original white stucco are visible across the vessel and bear fineline black decorations, and remains of a gold quatrefoil medallion are visible on the chest. Petite rattle balls within the body create a sound when the vessel is jostled. Size: 3.125" W x 6.25" H (7.9 cm x 15.9 cm)

Huehuecoyotl is known as the trickster or prankster god who is associated with musicians, music, and dance. The form shows Huehuecoyotl as a lean figure, with ribs and backbone showing, tail extending up his back, crouching as if ready to spring up and leap forward, implying the sensation of lifelike stored energy in the subject. The legs also contain a rattle feature, which implies the vessel was likely intended for ritual use. The ample use of gilding for the quatrefoil medallion is an exceedingly rare feature that, as it is applied directly to the stucco, would have required a highly skilled artisan to achieve.

Provenance: private Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA collection; ex-Minerva Gallery; ex-Benjamin Vega, California, USA, acquired in 2006 to 2007; ex-private Bradenton, Florida, USA collection; ex-private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection; ex-Gene and Virginia George, Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, brought to the USA from 1961 to 1966

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#155068
Condition Report: Repairs to left foot and areas of rim, with very small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Chipping to much painted stucco as shown, with fading to areas of original pigmentation, light encrustations, and a couple of stable hairline fissures on rim. Great remains of original red slip and painted stucco throughout as well as remains of gilding on chest medallion.