As with many animals known to the Ancient
Americas, the dog played a role that was part
practical and part spiritual. Guardians and
companions in life, dogs were sometimes eaten
as food on festive occasions. In the afterlife,
dogs were believed to lead the deceased into the
underworld. This whimsical pot depicts a seated
dog rendered with abstract fluency. With alert
ears and wide eyes, he guards the contents of his
vessel body against all intruders real and
imagined. Though he looks a little skeptical, we
hasten to assure him of our friendly intentions.
- (PF.1985)
|
