A PRE-COLUMBIAN RED WARE POTTERY DOG EFFIGY VESSEL, COLIMA, WEST MEXICO, 300 B.C. - 300 A.D., in resting position laying flat on a plump stomach, with short stubbed arms and legs outstretched to the front and back. Wearing a content expression and upturned tail, and a flared rim spout at its back. Height: 4" Width: 9" NOTE: Dog vessels like this one are the most commonly portrayed animal in Colima art. They represent a hairless dog that was native to the region, possibly a Chihuahua type or cousin of it. These dogs were the only domesticated animals of the Colima society and played big important roles in life and death. Dogs were used as a food source for these peoples and majority of the effigy vessels show dogs in a fattened or chubby state, meaning that they were fed well, sometimes over fed so as to provide a decent quantity of meat. This wasn't considered cruel amongst the people, but rather an honorable act, these dogs were able to provide sustenance for their owners, a sacrifice. To honor this sacrifice, the sculptures were created, the spout suggesting that food or liquid could've been poured into them. These figures are also found in many burial sites, as Colima had a strong "shaft tomb" culture. Just as a dog would be a companion to a human in this life, they believed that placing a dog vessel in a tomb meant the dog would accompany that person through the afterlife. In West Mexican culture, their artwork represented things that were important to them and their culture, turning them into an art form was how they were immortalized.

The piece has been heavily restored from roughly ten large pieces and a few smaller ones, the restoration was done wonderfully. There are two major chips to the rim of the spout. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."