Jalisco Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.1985,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 8.75" (22.2cm) high x 6.125" (15.6cm) wide,Catalogue: V7,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. As with many animals known to the Ancient Americas, the dog played a role that was part practical and part spiritual. Guardians and companions in life, dogs were sometimes eaten as food on festive occasions. In the afterlife, dogs were believed to lead the deceased into the underworld. This whimsical pot depicts a seated dog rendered with abstract fluency. With alert ears and wide eyes, he guards the contents of his vessel body against all intruders real and imagined. Though he looks a little skeptical, we hasten to assure him of our friendly intentions.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico