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.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico