Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, Pihuamo Style, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A skillfully hand-built and modeled redware sculpture depicting a man sitting upon the back of a large dog. The puppy presents a very sizeable body for the gentleman to sit upon; perhaps he was being fattened up for a ritualistic feast. The man sits on the canine's broad back with hands placed upon upraised knees - his legs spread so as to reveal his penis. He looks forward with a serene expression, his coffee bean shaped eyes possibly closed as if asleep or in a trance-like state. His dog looks upward toward the celestial realm with similarly shut coffee bean eyes, perky ears, and an incised snout - while his stubby tail wags behind. Size: 7.75" W x 8.625" H (19.7 cm x 21.9 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 and support for eternity.

Provenance: private Las Vegas, Nevada, USA collection via family descent, collected between 1950 and 1965

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.

#136550

Vent hole on underside of dog. Normal surface wear with nice manganese deposits and burnishing marks. Underside of dog has been repaired with areas of restoration over the break lines.