Veracruz, Mexico, 400–800 CE

This sculpture depicts a seated man accompanied by two dogs, possibly representing a warrior and his loyal companions. The man wears a full-head mask depicting a prairie wolf.

Among the later Aztecs of the Mexican highlands, the coyote served as a symbol of military prowess, embodying fierceness, endurance, and agility—qualities of an accomplished warrior.

The serene demeanor of the figure, along with the twisted rope replacing his ear jewelry, may suggest that he is a captured warrior awaiting ritual sacrifice.