Colima Shell Pendant Depicting the Head of a Dog - MT.0291,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 2.375" (6.0cm) high x 1.872" (4.8cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Colima Shell Pendant Depicting the Head of a Dog - MT.0291,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 2.375" (6.0cm) high x 1.872" (4.8cm) wide,Collection: Pre Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Shell.   « Less

Colima Terracotta Dog - PF.0222,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 10" (25.4cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. There  More »

Colima Terracotta Dog - PF.0222,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 10" (25.4cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. There are many theories surrounding the presence of fat little dogs in the shaft tombs of West Mexico. In modern western society--with its strong devotion to canine pets--we would prefer to see them as companions for the deceased, sources of warmth and comfort in the unknown afterlife. Just as plausible, however, is the theory that these plump animals were meant as a source of food. Clearly, however, this dog has not been eaten, so it is alright in our own age to spoil him as a pet.   « Less

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.0513,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 8.625" (21.9cm) high x 13.25" (33.7cm) depth,Catalogue: V2,Collection:  More »

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.0513,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 8.625" (21.9cm) high x 13.25" (33.7cm) depth,Catalogue: V2,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. Most scholars agree that these hairless dogs, called Techichi, were fattened to be eaten on special occasions in ancient Meso-America. This splendid, plump example clearly knows what might lie in store for him. He regards us warily with bared teeth, as if to suggest that he is not really the tender morsel he appears to be.   « Less

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.0693,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 8.25" (21.0cm) high x 15.75" (40.0cm) depth,Catalogue: V2,Collection:  More »

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.0693,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 8.25" (21.0cm) high x 15.75" (40.0cm) depth,Catalogue: V2,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. The wide, almost human grimace on this dog's face probably indicates his unwillingness to be eaten, which was a regular practice in ancient West Mexico. Fat as he is, it might be difficult for him to run away. He has also, apparently, gotten used to being fed on a regular basis. So he stands there, teeth bared, trying to look mean and not really succeeding, and it seems rather pointless to tell him that in our time and place we no longer eat dogs.   « Less

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.0921,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.5" (16.5cm) high x 7.75" (19.7cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.0921,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.5" (16.5cm) high x 7.75" (19.7cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. One of the better-known Pre-Columbian artistic styles, “Colima” derives from Western coastal Mexico, dating between 300 B.C. and 600 A.D. The highly burnished surfaces of such early Colima ceramic pieces are distinguished by their color and characteristic spotted black patina. A particularly cherished subject of representation is the Colima dog, patterned after a hairless variety of ancient dog known as the Techichi. Some scholars have speculated that the Colima believed dogs were emissaries of Xolotl, the god of the dead. As such, dogs were envisioned as a guide to lead the spirits of the dead to their resting place in the underworld and such representational objects might have been interred with the deceased. Despite their possible connection with the dead, the representations of these dogs often take on a playful and charming demeanor in this mode of expression. Other scholars have noted that this variety of dog was bred as a delicacy. Thus, their frequent portrayal as exceedingly plump accentuates the humorous nature of such representations.   « Less

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.0925,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 3.375" (8.6cm) high x 2.75" (7.0cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.0925,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 3.375" (8.6cm) high x 2.75" (7.0cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. One of the better-known Pre-Columbian artistic styles, “Colima” derives from Western coastal Mexico, dating between 300 B.C. and 600 A.D. The highly burnished surfaces of such early Colima ceramic pieces are distinguished by their color and characteristic spotted black patina. A particularly cherished subject of representation is the Colima dog, patterned after a hairless variety of ancient dog known as the Techichi. Some scholars have speculated that the Colima believed dogs were emissaries of Xolotl, the god of the dead. As such, dogs were envisioned as a guide to lead the spirits of the dead to their resting place in the underworld and such representational objects might have been interred with the deceased. Despite their possible connection with the dead, the representations of these dogs often take on a playful and charming demeanor in this mode of expression. Other scholars have noted that this variety of dog was bred as a delicacy. Thus, their frequent portrayal as exceedingly plump accentuates the humorous nature of such representations.   « Less

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.1388,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 5.75" (14.6cm) high x 9.875" (25.1cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.1388,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 5.75" (14.6cm) high x 9.875" (25.1cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. Boldly abstract yet completely canine, this cheerful dog looks up as if just waking up from a nap. Originally intended to hold a tomb offering of food or drink, his form has been adapted to his function. With a spouted body shaped like a plump 'O,' only his head and tail are clearly defined. In ancient Mexico, dogs themselves were sometimes eaten as a delicacy. Yet this fellow seems completely happy in the company of people, as if he understands that our world will only treat him as a pet.   « Less

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Seated Dog - PF.1427,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,,Dimensions: 9.75" (24.8cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Seated Dog - PF.1427,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,,Dimensions: 9.75" (24.8cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. The role of the dog in ancient Mexican society was important and varied. Dog effigies have been found in the vast majority of tombs in the Colima region, however, the function of these sculptures is uncertain. In myth, the dog guided humans down the path to the underworld, while in real life they were often eaten as a great delicacy. Whether intended for food or companionship, the Colima dogs have an appealing charm. This unusually fine example represents a known breed with folds of wrinkled skin. Looking at this alert and eager face, we realize that dog's characters have changed little over time.   « Less

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.1429,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,,Dimensions: 10.625" (27.0cm) high x 13" (33.0cm) depth,Collection:  More »

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.1429,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,,Dimensions: 10.625" (27.0cm) high x 13" (33.0cm) depth,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. Like the Cheshire Cat in Wonderland, this plump little dog has memorable smile. Wide and toothy, it has a friendly, almost human quality. Its original intention may not have been so welcoming however: in ancient Mexico, little dogs were often fattened as food. A dog vessel like this—visibly overweight—may have been intended to nourish the deceased in the underworld. Perhaps he smiles in the hope that we’ll like him too much to eat him. We should reassure him that in our world, dogs are treated as adored and pampered pets. Perhaps then, he’ll smile even wider.   « Less

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.2035,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 7" (17.8cm) high x 12.5" (31.8cm) depth,,Collection:  More »

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.2035,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 7" (17.8cm) high x 12.5" (31.8cm) depth,,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. Plump and charming, this little dog stares at us with wide eyes. Perhaps he is a little uncertain of our intent. In the ancient world from which he comes, dogs served an ambivalent purpose. Not only were they companions and guardians, they also were occasionally eaten as a festive treat. It may have been for that reason that this rotund little canine was placed in a tomb. However, according to myth, dogs also served as guides along the path of the underworld. This little fellow seems to have strayed a bit, though his charms are such that we are happy to see him.   « Less