Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, ca. 100-250 CE. The animal most represented in Colima visual culture is the hairless dog known as Techichi or Escuincle, related to the Chihuahua and/or the Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintle - pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee). The Xolo has existed in Mexico for more than 3,000 years and was in fact the first dog of the Americas. The Colima dog had a variety of uses throughout the centuries -- as food source, guardian of the deceased, healer, and watchdog. Particularly treasured as protectors, Xolos safeguarded the home from evil spirits and intruders. In addition, the Xolo held a special religious significance for not only the Colima culture, but also the Toltec, Aztec, Mayan, and Zapoteca Indians. This bichrome, pottery dog is a wonderful example of a relic that provides testimony for these civilizations' fondness for such treasured dogs. This particular Xolo is holding an ear of corn perhaps to be fattened up to unfortunately be a source of food for the indigenous. Let's hope, however, that he was simply being treated well as he was accompanying a person's soul on the journey to the underworld as a companion for the deceased. 15-1/2"L x 8"T x 6"W Provenance: Ex-Mesa Collection, CA, acquired in 1950s. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art. The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell.

  • Condition: Gorgeous bichrome colored slip has minor wear as shown. Otherwise intact and near choice!

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October 11, 2013 9:00 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