Jalisco Sculpture of a Spirit Dog - PF.1277,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.75" (17.1cm) high x 4.375" (11.1cm) wide,Catalogue: V7,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. The folklore of ancient America is rich in tales of men transformed into dogs, coyotes, or wolves. These creatures were associated with safe passage through the underworld, and magic men in the throes of a trance were known to assume canine shape. While fat, friendly dogs are quite common in the art of ancient Mexico, this fascinating example is clearly different. He sits staring, as if lost in dreams, with a body that seems half-human, half-beast. We feel the power of his spirit magic, the mysterious spell that hovers about him still. At any moment, we might expect him to change back to his original shape.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico