Description:

From the ancient Colima region of West Mexico, ca. 200 BCE - 200 CE. Terracotta figural vessel depicting a half-human, half-dog individual. This likely represents a shaman in symbolic transformation into a dog. Dogs are believed to have been thought of by the ancient inhabitants of Colima as guides to the afterworld for the deceased. Since an important role of the shaman is as an intermediary between the realms of the living and the deceased, it is plausible that the shaman would be symbolically depicted as in transformation into a dog, perhaps in the role of guiding a deceased member of their society into the afterlife. The dog and head are shown in good detail, with red and remnants of white/cream pigment for decoration. Measures approximately 5-1/4"H x 4-1/2"W. Provenance: Former CA, USA Doctor's private collection. Provenance: Former Indiana, USA private collection. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell.

  • Condition: Intact with minor chipping/loss to the hind feet, and a chip at the back of the rim. Otherwise, minor weathering, wear and abrasions overall, with Manganese and other mineral deposits, as well as root marks, visible on the surface.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 11, 2013 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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