Cochiti Pueblo Animal Effigy Canteen [SOLD]

Cochiti Pueblo potters of the late 19th century obviously had a wonderful sense of humor. They expressed this humor in their creations of mono figurines of tourists, padres, Spaniards, merchants, etc. They also expressed it in the creation of animal effigy figurines, such as this one.

What is it? It has a striped tail, so it could be a raccoon. Perhaps there are other animals with striped tails. Whatever it represents, it is charming. The animal has a marvelous smile and expression on its face. The body is elaborately decorated. Rings around the neck include cloud symbols. The body is filled with dots (rain) overall and zigzag lines (lightning). It seems that all these effigy animal figurines feature water symbols. Perhaps their purpose was to bring rain.

The figurine dates to the late 1800s or very early 1900s. It is in excellent overall condition. The left ear has been broken off and glued back, but that is the only flaw.