Colima, West Mexico
100 BC - 250 AD
Burnished ceramic
Length 11½ inches (29.2 cm), height 4 inches (10.2 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Carlsbad, California, over 50 years
Colima dogs are among the most recognized figural ceramics of pre-Columbian West Mexico, and this example is unusual in depicting the animal lying on its back rather than in the upright or seated positions most common in the tradition. The posture conveys a quality of ease and submission rarely seen in Colima dog figures, and the modeling of the legs, muzzle, and body retains the smooth, rounded naturalism characteristic of the finest West Mexican ceramic work. The burnished surface carries the warm red tone associated with Colima production.
The dog held a significant place in Colima funerary practice, serving as a companion and guide to the dead in the underworld, and the recumbent on-back position may carry specific ritual meaning within that tradition. At 11½ inches in length, this is a substantial example, and the condition is described as mint with no repairs. The Carlsbad, California collection of over fifty years provides a private provenance of considerable duration.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Colima, West Mexico
100 BC - 250 AD
Burnished ceramic
Length 11½ inches (29.2 cm), height 4 inches (10.2 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Carlsbad, California, over 50 years
Colima dogs are among the most recognized figural ceramics of pre-Columbian West Mexico, and this example is unusual in depicting the animal lying on its back rather than in the upright or seated positions most common in the tradition. The posture conveys a quality of ease and submission rarely seen in Colima dog figures, and the modeling of the legs, muzzle, and body retains the smooth, rounded naturalism characteristic of the finest West Mexican ceramic work. The burnished surface carries the warm red tone associated with Colima production.
The dog held a significant place in Colima funerary practice, serving as a companion and guide to the dead in the underworld, and the recumbent on-back position may carry specific ritual meaning within that tradition. At 11½ inches in length, this is a substantial example, and the condition is described as mint with no repairs. The Carlsbad, California collection of over fifty years provides a private provenance of considerable duration.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
