Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A charming, hand-sculpted terracotta figure of a dog. With a hugely fat body and a sleek head with big eyes, the dog has almost comical proportions. It also has an upstanding tail that doubles as a spout. The body is a burnished red and tan. Size: 10.35" L x 5" W x 5.6" H (26.3 cm x 12.7 cm x 14.2 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.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#125654

Tip of left ear restored. Nice manganese deposits on surface.