Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, Protoclassic period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. An adorable and highly-burnished pottery dog, finely-molded in lustrous redware and standing proudly on all fours - presenting an attractive two-tone finish with a saturated red slip adorning the tail and a tawny orange-red slip on the rest of the body. Pleasantly plump, his rotund belly touches the ground and shapes its wide-legged stance. Clearly happy with his satiated tummy, his head is alert with a playful countenance presenting perky ears, incised almond-shaped eyes, a conical snout, a gentle smile, and an upturned wagging tail for a spout. A beautiful example that is quite sizeable and full of character! Size: 9" L x 4.75" W x 6" H (22.9 cm x 12.1 cm x 15.2 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.

This piece was exhibited in the Marjorie Barrick Museum, UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) in the 1980s and 1990s.

A larger but similar example with no tail spout hammered for $12,500 at Sotheby's, New York "African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art Including Property from the Krugier and Lasansky Collections" Auction (sale N09146, May 16, 2014, lot 254): http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/african-oceanic-n09146/lot.254.html

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Nevada, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Arkansas, USA, 1950s-1960s; exhibited at the Marjorie Barrick Museum, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 1980s and early 1990s

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#133922

Restoration to portion of tail. Front left leg repaired with light adhesive residue and small losses along break line. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age as expected, small chips and roughness to nose, feet, body, and tail, with some discoloration, and fading to some incised features. Nice earthen deposits within recessed areas, and great root marks and mineral deposits throughout.