Jalisco Sculpture of a Deer - PF.2253,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 7.5" (19.1cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium:  More »

Jalisco Sculpture of a Deer - PF.2253,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 7.5" (19.1cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. This lively creature most likely represents a deer, an animal native to much of Ancient America. In later Mayan mythology and that of Moche Peru, the deer was a symbol of death. Since this deer was intended as a tomb offering, it is very probable that the context of death was similar in pre-classic culture. However, this deer, with its prominent raised tail, seems very much alive. We are charmed by its fresh, alert manner, the impression that it might dash off at any minute flicking its tail as it goes.   « Less

Jalisco Terracotta Dog Effigy Vessel - PF.2630,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.5" (16.5cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium:  More »

Jalisco Terracotta Dog Effigy Vessel - PF.2630,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.5" (16.5cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. Ancient craftsmen in the state of Jalisco, located in the west coast region of Mexico, produced a dramatic array of art in clay, specializing in lively and interesting sculptural figures. Here, an extraordinary example of that artistry is revealed in this dog effigy vessel. Portrayed with immense charm and spirit, he stands on all fours in an attentive pose. A delightfully rotund body forms the main portion of the vessel, while his small head displays a wide-open mouth. From these jaws we expect at any moment to hear his canine, staccato bark echoing down through the ages. Clearly, this ceramic masterpiece expresses wholeheartedly the intimate relationship that the Jalisco culture shared with the natural world that surrounded them. HT.   « Less

Jalisco Sculpture of a Dog with a Pup - PF.5955,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) high x 5" (12.7cm) depth,Collection:  More »

Jalisco Sculpture of a Dog with a Pup - PF.5955,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) high x 5" (12.7cm) depth,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. This diminutive sculpture of a mother dog carrying her pup on her back comes from the state of Jalisco in western Mexico. This region of western Mexico, specifically the states of Colima and Jalisco, is famous for its charming canine sculptures such as this one. Thought to represent a type of hairless dog found in the area, these sculptures were entombed with the deceased along with other pottery ware. These dogs were bred in antiquity for human consumption. Thus, the presence of this creature in a burial tomb suggests that they were sustenance for the afterlife. Although we do not know the specifics of this ancient culture’s religious beliefs, this theory seems credible and consistent. This little sculpture represents and unusual scene. A small pup rides along the back of the presumed mother. Both dogs wear similar collars suggesting that they might be domesticated pets and not just a potential feast. The collars reveal that these dogs were the possession of someone else. Thus it is possible that this sculpture was entombed alongside the deceased not just for nourishment but also for companionship. Although such sculpture was buried along with the dead to provide a feast in the afterlife, instead they have provided a feast for modern collectors. The charm and beauty of this sculpture will surely sustain our souls for this lifetime and perhaps even into our next.   « Less

Jalisco Vessel in the Form of a Young Horned Toad - PF.4562,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.5" (16.5cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Jalisco Vessel in the Form of a Young Horned Toad - PF.4562,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.5" (16.5cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. The artists who created objects such as this one were some of the finest in the New World. And one of their favorite themes was animals; such as seen in this very charming turtle vessel. Where in the vast world of art, past and present, can we fmd an object that exudes such joy? Suspended on a thick base, the turtle is happily swimming along the bank of a river. With his smiling face he is the very picture of pleasure and fun. This effect is further heightened by the artist's obvious skill, cleverly giving the impression the turtle is actually swimming with its tiny flippers pauling vigorously. With its chimney spout and solid form, this vessel was probably used as a household item. It is one of the "miracles" of art that an object from the past, sprung from a vanished culture, can still make us smile.   « Less

Jalisco Terracotta Vessel in the Form of a Dog - SP.560,Origin: Jalisco, Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 2.25" (5.7cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Jalisco Terracotta Vessel in the Form of a Dog - SP.560,Origin: Jalisco, Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 2.25" (5.7cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Jalisco Terracotta Figure of a Dog - DC.8031,Origin: Jalisco-Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta.

Jalisco Terracotta Figure of a Dog - DC.8031,Origin: Jalisco-Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Jalisco Terracotta Figure of a Dog - DC.1858,Origin: Jalisco- mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta.

Jalisco Terracotta Figure of a Dog - DC.1858,Origin: Jalisco- mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Jalisco Blackware Vessel - PF.0708,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6" (15.2cm) high x 6" (15.2cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Jalisco Blackware Vessel - PF.0708,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6" (15.2cm) high x 6" (15.2cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. This appealing vessel may represent a member of the vegetable family, perhaps a squash or a gourd. Holding its pleasing shape in our hands, we remember that the most abstract patterns of all are to be found in nature. The imagination of man cannot compete with her flights of fancy.   « Less

Jalisco Vessel in the Form of a Hunchback - PF.1425,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 11.25" (28.6cm) high x 8" (20.3cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Jalisco Vessel in the Form of a Hunchback - PF.1425,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 11.25" (28.6cm) high x 8" (20.3cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. In ancient Mexico, hunchbacks were thought to be blessed by the Gods, and were treated with great respect. They appear frequently in tomb art, usually in the context of magic and ritual. This individual's deformities--the curve of his back and the thinness of his limbs--are exaggerated with expressionistic power. In his mouth, he holds an odd object. It has been suggested that this represents the bubble of life, the last breath of the dying. More likely however, it is the hallucinagenic peyote bud, used to induce trances and communicate with the spirit world. Lost in his dreams, he stares at visions unseen by the rest of us, he is oblivious to the passage of time.   « Less

Jalisco Terracotta Vessel - PF.4603,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 5.25" (13.3cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium:  More »

Jalisco Terracotta Vessel - PF.4603,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 5.25" (13.3cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. Through art it is possible to understand a great deal about a culture; not only details of their religion, politics and social behavior, but also aspects of their character. The Jalisco artists are famous for their delightful and whimsical ceramics. Both the artists and the people who bought their works shared a love of fanciful figures that are full of joy and gentle humor. The center piece of this drinking vessel is a wonderful face, created in such a way it resembles a wall relief. It sends an immediate message of good cheer and happiness, a soft warmth in its lively eyes and impish smile. The design surrounding the sides seems pertinent to the face, almost like hair flowing in the wind. This vessel may have been made for a particular purpose, and would serve admirably as a child's drinking cup. However, something this pleasing to the senses need not have a special reason for being made. It simply stands on its own as an object from the distant past that touches our heart.   « Less