Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. This is a really unique piece; a pottery dog in the form of a jar. He has a spiny ridge running down his back and humanized arms. The surface is nicely burnished and dark brown. Scholars know of at least two types of ancient West Mexican 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 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. This example appears to be quite fat. Size: 5.5" W x 8.2" H (14 cm x 20.8 cm).

Provenance: Ex-collection of Jules Berman (Kahlua fame), acquired in the 1950s

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#113137

  • Condition: Expected wear with root marks and some minor chipping on the bottom.

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March 31, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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