Pre-Columbian, Western Mexico, Colima, Protoclassic period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A hollow pottery figure of a corpulent canine, one of the most famous of the classes of West Mexican shaft tomb culture artifacts. The animal has four attenuated limbs, a portly abdomen, a crested spine, and a thick tail curled above its posterior. Incised ovoid eyes, perky ears, a pointed snout, and a gaping tooth-filled mouth comprise the adorable visage, giving it a relatable and amiable personality. A red-orange slip envelops the entire exterior of this highly-burnished figure, giving it a classic presentation evocative of ancient West Mexico! Size: 12.5" L x 5.5" W x 8.25" H (31.8 cm x 14 cm x 21 cm).

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 Chichi or Escuintla 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.

A similar example of a slightly larger size hammered for $8,750 at Sotheby's, New York "African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art Including Property from the Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation" Auction (May 13, 2011, lot 158): http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2011/african-oceanic-and-precolumbian-art-n08749/lot.158.html

Provenance: ex-private Tampa, Florida, USA collection

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#136682

Surface wear and minor abrasions commensurate with age, small nicks to feet, ears, and tail, with fading to some areas of slip coloration, and fading to some finer incised details, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits and fantastic mineral deposits throughout.