Pre-Columbian, Colima culture, West Mexico, ca. 100-250 CE. Strikingly striped Colima dog - precious with its exceptionally large, musclebound body, perky ears, and alert, wagging tail - greeting us with an ear of corn in its mouth! 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 Escuincle 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 such as this one were buried in shaft tombs to protect the deceased and provide sustenance for eternity. Note the wonderful manganese blooms and root marks on the gorgeous burnished finish. 17-1/2"L x 9"H x 8-1/2"W

Provenance: Ex-Splendors of the World, Haiku, HI

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Minor wear on finish at tips of ears. Else intact and near choice if not choice!