Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A hand-built and highly burnished redware pottery vessel depicting a charming dog, its body curved into a U-shape with 4 nubbin feet splayed out beneath the plump body, a central spout, and a conical tail extending off the posterior. The conical head is raised and attentive with incised circular eyes, a pair of large ears, an upturned nose, and an incised mouth. Dogs were believed to be the guides of souls into the afterlife in ancient West Mexico, so a vessel like this likely contained an offering to the canine couriers of the dead. Size: 8.25" W x 4.125" H (21 cm x 10.5 cm)

Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000

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#175214

Repair and restoration to small area of neck behind head, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Minor abrasions, fading to pigment, and earthen deposits commensurate with age, with light softening to some incised details on head, otherwise in excellent condition. Great preservation to overall form. Previous inventory label beneath body.