Colima Vessel in the Form of a Seated Dog - PF.2313,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 13.25" (33.7cm) high x 6.5" (16.5cm) wide,Catalogue: V8,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. One of the most magnificent Pre-Columbian art styles belongs to the ancient artisans of the Pacific Coast region of Mexico that lies in the shadow of the 13,000-foot high volcano Colima. The full flourishing of the Colima art style produced masterpieces of artistic sensitivity such as this charming dog-effigy vessel that are among the high points in pre-Columbian art. Canines, like this finely modeled example, were portrayed with perceptive realism, created to accompany the dead on their long road to the afterlife, acting as both guide and guard. This special breed of dog is known as the Mexican hairless. Its wrinkled gray skin was the color of stone, which has given it the ancient name of Techichi (Tetl,"stone"; Chichi, "Dog"). One can almost hear this canine fellow, with his grinning visage, perky ears and wagging tail, playfully whimpering for a treat. He sits at rapt attention, his focus on his master...as it should be.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico