Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima culture, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. What an exceptional and expressive Colima puppy - quite endearing for its corpulent body, open toothy muzzle as if barking for attention, alert and perky ears, and wagging tail! Scholars know of at least two types of Colima dogs, one to be fattened up and ritually sacrificed or eaten and one to serve as a watchdog and healer of the ill. This plump hairless canine known as a Techichi or Escuintle is thought to be related to the Chihuahua or Mexican Hairless also known as the Xoloitzcuintle. The Xolo dog was named for the deity Xolotl, the God of the Underworld, and believed to guide the deceased as they journeyed to the afterlife. Colima vessels like this example were buried in shaft tombs to protect the deceased and provide sustenance for eternity. Note the wonderful manganese blooms and gorgeous burnished finish. Size: 10.5" L x 8.5" H (26.7 cm x 21.6 cm)
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: private New York, USA collection from 1966; ex-I.M. Chait Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA; ex-Bower collection / Lands Beyond Gallery
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#165129
Condition
Repairs and professional restoration affecting area from tip of tail to neck and side of left back.