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This wonderfully playful rendition of a sitting opposum was found in the area known as Tenayuca, one of only two sites at which a Mexica double temple still stands. The Mexica were particularly good observers of the natural environment around them and often realistically carved the likenesses of even the smallest insects, such as fleas.




Effigy vessel of an opposum
Mexica (Aztec)
Late Post-Classic (1319-1521A.D.)
Tenayuca, State of Mexico
Tan-colored clay
N/A
National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico.

Photo © Jorge Pérez de Lara