Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. Intact, with such a chubby body that its stomach nearly rests on the floor, and a spout in his head for pouring in libations. That toothy grin may be interpreted two ways. Perhaps he is simply a buck-toothed dog baring his teeth to an uninvited stranger. However, it is also possible that in his mouth is bunch of corn in place of teeth. This is the type of Colima dog bred to be fattened up and ritually sacrificed or eaten. 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 very nice example of a classic type. Size: 10.5" L x 5" W x 9.75" H (26.7 cm x 12.7 cm x 24.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private Southern CA collection

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