Description:

Pre-Columbian, Western Mexico, Colima, ca. 100 to 200 CE. A fabulously, expressive Colima puppy made from terracotta with a burnished red finish, replete with manganese blooms and rootmarks that reveal its age. This example is quite endearing for its corpulent body, incised diamond shaped eyes, open toothy muzzle as if barking for attention. Alert, perky ears and wagging tail! Size: 11-1/2"L x 7-7/8"H x 4-1/2"W.

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 Techichi or Escuincle 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. Provenance: Ex-private D. Oleski collection, CA; ex-private Orange, CA collection acquired in 1968. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #109904

  • Condition: Hind right leg repaired. Nice manganese blooms and rootmarks.

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August 29, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000