Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.3424,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 11.5" (29.2cm) high x 9.5" (24.1cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.3424,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 11.5" (29.2cm) high x 9.5" (24.1cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. One of the most exciting and expressive Pre- Columbian art styles belongs to a group of people who lived in the pacific region of Ancient Mexico close to the 13,000 foot-high volcano "Colima." Here, artists modeled in clay a rich assortment of animal and plant figures, a striking example of which is revealed in this dog-effigy vessel. Portrayed with realism, this canine was created as a burial object, its function to accompany the deceased on his or her long journey to the after-life. The dog's spirit acts as both guide and guard. This particular breed of Ancient canine is known as the Mexican techichi. Hairless dogs, their wrinkled gray skin's color of stone gave them the Ancient name techichi (tetl meaning "stone," chichi meaning "dog"). Poised on all fours with spout shaped tail upright, ears perked and mouth open, this techichi appears to be suspended in motion. One can almost see his alert ears twitching and hear his barks, as he attentively guides his master through the journey to the after-life. This sculpted canine expresses most ardently an Ancient people's extreme regard for an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounded them.   « Less

Colima Sculpture of a Standing Dog - PF.4172,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.25" (15.9cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium:  More »

Colima Sculpture of a Standing Dog - PF.4172,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.25" (15.9cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. This charming dog replicates the famous and rare dogs still found today. The deep red- orange hue lends warmth to the entire sculpture. The face, though simply done, is extremely expressive while the characteristic bulge in the stomach is a common feature in these dogs. The short legs and solid earthenware add a distinct dependability to the piece, while not interfering with the craftsmanship of the work of art. Colima has become specifically noteworthy due to these animals and the distinct coloration. With this in mind we realize we are capturing a piece of history.   « Less

Colima Sculpture of a Seated Dog - PF.4349,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 9.25" (23.5cm) high x 7.125" (18.1cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Colima Sculpture of a Seated Dog - PF.4349,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 9.25" (23.5cm) high x 7.125" (18.1cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. The dogs from Colima in West Mexico have been a curiosity to many art lovers and art critics alike. One may say they are dogs to be eaten and savored as a delicacy and others believe that the dogs are effigies of the owners’ pets to be taken to the grave. This broad shaped seated dog is yet another example of the intrigue these dogs spark. The surface of this piece is done in a burnish red color. The dogs mouth can be construed as a smile in anticipation to play with its owner making it a loving pet, but viewed from the side its smile turns into a growl in defense for its own life. The dog’s ears are perked-up as if on the look out. The earlobes contain pierces which once may have been adorned with earrings that have long since disintegrated. The eyes of the dog are opened wide, which give it the quality of attention to attack or to play. Regardless of the intent of the artists, this expressive piece carries with it an ambiguity and intrigue that has been buried in the past and which today we only can marvel at.   « Less

Colima Sculpture of a Dog - SP.632,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 200 AD,Dimensions: 8.25" (21.0cm) high,Collection: Pre- Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. One of  More »

Colima Sculpture of a Dog - SP.632,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 200 AD,Dimensions: 8.25" (21.0cm) high,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

Pair of Colima Dogs - FJ.0046,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre-Columbian ArtStyle: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. One of the better-known  More »

Pair of Colima Dogs - FJ.0046,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre-Columbian ArtStyle: 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 Terracotta Sculpture of a Dog - PF.9103,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre-Columbian Art,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta.

Colima Terracotta Sculpture of a Dog - PF.9103,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre-Columbian Art,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Colima Terracotta Sculpture of a Dog - PF.9104,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. One of the  More »

Colima Terracotta Sculpture of a Dog - PF.9104,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,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.9105dc,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre- Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta,Condition: Very Fine.

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.9105dc,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre- Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta,Condition: Very Fine.   « Less

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.9106dc,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre-Columbian Art,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. One of the  More »

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.9106dc,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre-Columbian Art,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.8008,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 8" (20.3cm) high x 7.75" (19.7cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.8008,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 8" (20.3cm) high x 7.75" (19.7cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta,Condition: Fine. 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