Pre-Columbian, Colima, West Mexico, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. This is a hollow glossy red slip redware hairless dog with realistic features; he has a chubby, distended stomach, probably because such dogs were often fattened up to be eaten at feasts. Size: 14" from tail to tip of nose x 13-1/2"H x 6"W (35-1/2 cm x 34 cm x 15 cm).

The Colima Dog is one of the most enduring and famous symbols of pre-Columbian art. They come from the shaft tombs of West Mexico, where dogs were believed to assist the dead in their journey to the underworld. Although these dogs are often portrayed as fattened up for the table, they are also sculpted into a variety of playful positions, suggesting that dogs were also a close human companion in Colima culture the way they are today for us. This particular Colima dog sits at attention, mouth slightly open with clear details on the teeth and tail curled behind his short back legs, ears perked up and eyes looking up at the viewer. Anyone who loves dogs knows this expression and the piece demonstrates how important the bond between humans and dogs was even 2000 years ago! This close relationship is reflected in the cosmology of pre-Columbian Mexican peoples, where one story tells that the first man survived a great flood because of his friend, dog, who helped him find both corn to eat and fire. There are similar pieces in museums worldwide, including the British Museum.

Provenance: Ex-private Jerry Hooper collection.

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#110579

Appears intact, however repaired at ear, spout, leg and lower body. Clear artistic details.