Rare Aztec/Veracruz Coyote Hacha

Pre-Columbian Aztec/Veracruz culture coyote Hacha. A hand-carved volcanic stone sculpture of a coyote with an anthropomorphized body, shown kneeling with hands resting on its knees in a posture of rest or reverence, head slightly bent forward.
The oversized head features a pointed snout, indented eyes, a pronounced cranial ridge, and perked ears. The back is flat and served as a hacha in the Mesoamerican ballgame.
As the carving lacks distinguishing features between a dog and a coyote, it could represent either. Both held spiritual and symbolic significance in Mesoamerican culture, often associated with cunning, the afterlife, and protection, as seen in their depiction in ceramic sculptures and burial offerings.
Size: 4.5''' L X 3" W x 8" H
Provenance: private Culver City, California.