Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A hollow, hand-built redware pottery vessel of a bulbous form depicting a charming canine covered in vibrant red and red-orange slip. The engorged body barely clears the ground as it stands upon a quartet of bowed legs and displays a protruding spinal column along the back as well as a projecting conical tail which doubles as the pouring spout. The highly burnished dog peers outward with incised ovoid eyes and exhibits delineated nostrils and an incised mouth in front of a perky pair of ears. Size: 14.2" L x 6.375" W x 8.75" H (36.1 cm x 16.2 cm x 22.2 cm)

Scholars know of at least two types of Colima dogs, one to be fattened up and ritually sacrificed or eaten and one to serve as a watchdog and healer of the ill. This plump hairless canine known as a Chichi or Escuintla is thought to be related to the Chihuahua or Mexican Hairless also known as the Xoloitzcuintle. The Xolo dog was named for the deity Xolotl, the God of the Underworld, and believed to guide the deceased as they journeyed to the afterlife. Colima vessels such as this one were buried in shaft tombs to protect the deceased and provide sustenance for eternity.

Exhibited in the University of St. Thomas Art Gallery.

A stylistically similar example of a smaller size hammered for $5,400 at Christie's, New York "Pre-Columbian Art" auction (sale 1837, May 23, 2007, lot 82).

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: ex-private collection of the late Father Bader, University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas, USA, acquired prior to 2000

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#154254

Professionally repaired from multiple pieces, with restoration along some areas of frontal body and head, and resurfacing with overpainting along new material and break lines. Abrasions and encrustations along body, tail, legs, and head, with light softening to some incised details, fading to original pigmentation, and a couple of stable hairline fissures on body. Nice earthen deposits and remains of original slip pigment throughout. TL drill holes beneath right front paw and beneath tail spout.