Colima Vessel in the Form of an Animal Head - PF.2763,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 5.25" (13.3cm) high x 7" (17.8cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. Common characteristics of Colima tomb pieces are the deeply burnished reds, browns and blacks of each works’ highly polished surface. This animal, a dog, features unusual horns, which cannot be explained, except to say that this animal head might have represented a spiritual deity. Dogs are represented throughout Ancient Mexico, as both evil as well as good entities. His friendly face suggests that he was indeed a friendly spirit, meant to take his owner safely into the afterworld. Head pots, such as this piece, were exclusive to Colima. Such a friendly presence would certainly liven up any home.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico