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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Colima Dogs : Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog
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Colima Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.2423
Origin: Western Mexico
Circa: 300
BC
to 300
AD
Dimensions:
5" (12.7cm) high
x 5" (12.7cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Colima
Medium: Terracotta
£8,000.00
Location: UAE
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| Description |
The state of Colima, located in the pacific coast
region of West Mexico, supported a thriving
ancient culture which, between about 300 B.C.
and 600 A.D., produced a remarkable variety of
ceramic art, ranging from the naturalistic
rendering of human figures to the myriad plant
and animal life found in the region. These
terracotta sculptures, as revealed in this
charming dog-effigy vessel, are full of timeless
energy and spirit. Created as a burial object, its
function to accompany the deceased on his or
her journey to the afterlife, the dog's spirit acts
as both guide and guard. This particular breed
of ancient canine in known as the Mexican
hairless, its wrinkled gray skin the color of stone,
giving it the ancient name of Techichi (Tetl
meaning 'stone,' chichi meaning 'dog'). Poised
on all fours with spout-shaped tail upright, ears
perked and mouth open, this Techichi appears to
be suspended in motion. One can almost see his
ever-alert ears twitching and hear his high-
pitched bark, as he attentively guides his master
through the journey to the afterlife. A stunning
example of Colima artistry, this sculpted canine
expresses most ardently an ancient people's
extreme regard for, and intimate relationship
with the natural world that surrounded them.
Today, the spirit of this canine most certainly
lives on--we need only gaze into the face of this
Techichi to experience its age-old guardian
powers.
- (PF.2423)
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