West Mexico, Colima, Protoclassic period
100 BC to 250 AD
Ceramic
Height: 4¼ in, Length: 7 in
Provenance: Private collection, San Diego, California, 1960s; Clifford Baker collection, San Diego, California, 1960s
Colima ceramic dogs are among the most recognized forms of West Mexican shaft tomb pottery, closely associated with the xoloitzcuintle breed and its role as a companion and guide for the deceased on the journey to the afterlife. These vessels were placed in burial chambers of the shaft tomb tradition and are distinguished by their fleshy, rounded modeling and rich burnished slip, ranging in color from deep red to blackish brown. Their appeal lies in the sculptural economy with which Colima artists captured the animal's form and posture using minimal detail.
This example presents a curled, resting dog with the head turned back over the body, a naturalistic pose common within the type. The compact scale, fine burnished surface, and intact condition reflect careful modeling and firing, and the restrained form gives the piece a quiet sculptural balance within the broader tradition of West Mexican ceramic canine figures.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
West Mexico, Colima, Protoclassic period
100 BC to 250 AD
Ceramic
Height: 4¼ in, Length: 7 in
Provenance: Private collection, San Diego, California, 1960s; Clifford Baker collection, San Diego, California, 1960s
Colima ceramic dogs are among the most recognized forms of West Mexican shaft tomb pottery, closely associated with the xoloitzcuintle breed and its role as a companion and guide for the deceased on the journey to the afterlife. These vessels were placed in burial chambers of the shaft tomb tradition and are distinguished by their fleshy, rounded modeling and rich burnished slip, ranging in color from deep red to blackish brown. Their appeal lies in the sculptural economy with which Colima artists captured the animal's form and posture using minimal detail.
This example presents a curled, resting dog with the head turned back over the body, a naturalistic pose common within the type. The compact scale, fine burnished surface, and intact condition reflect careful modeling and firing, and the restrained form gives the piece a quiet sculptural balance within the broader tradition of West Mexican ceramic canine figures.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
