Colima Terracotta Dog Effigy Sculpture - PF.2472,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 10.125" (25.7cm) high x 14" (35.6cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. This lively terracotta dog effigy sculpture represents one of the most exciting Pre- Columbian art styles in Mexico. Created in the western region of Mexico that lies in the shadow of the 13,000foothigh volcano Colima, this energetic sculpture evidences the ancient artists ability to realistically render in clay the natural world around them. Created to accompany the deceased on their long road to the afterlife, the spirit of this sculpted dog acted as both guide and guard. This particular breed of ancient canine is known as the Mexican hairless. Its wrinkled gray skin, the color of stone, gave it the pre-Columbian name of techichi (tetl meaning stone, chichi meaning dog). Poised on all fours, with tail upright, ears perked and mouth open, this techichi appears to be suspended in animated motion. The dramatic expression on his face is heightened by the artist’s deft use of striated horizontal lines, culminating along a central line that runs the length of the dog’s elongated head. If we look closely and listen carefully, we can almost see the dogs ears twitch and hear his high pitched bark, as he guides his master through his journey to the netherworld. A stunning example of Colima artistry, this sculpted canine expresses most ardently an ancient peoples extreme regard for, and intimate relationship with the animal kingdom.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico