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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Nayarit Animals : Nayarit Vessel in the Form of a Dog
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Nayarit Vessel in the Form of a Dog - PF.6280
Origin: Western Mexico
Circa: 300
BC
to 300
AD
Dimensions:
5" (12.7cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Nayarit
Medium: Terracotta
$1,200.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This little vessel has been shaped into the form
of a dog. It rests, slightly elevated off the
ground, on four conical legs. The head rises out
of the shoulder of the vessel and is minimally
modeled, with the suggestion of ears and
horizontally incised lines depicting the eyes and
mouth. A little nub of a tail protrudes from the
rear. The entire surface of the work was once
covered with resist painted patterns, remnants of
which are still visible. Spiral and dotted designs
stand out in black against the bright orange
surface of the terracotta. These patterns
enhance the beauty of the work and may actually
imitate the skin pattern of the hairless dogs after
which this work was based. In ancient Mexico,
dogs served a variety of roles. They were
domesticated companions who served their
masters in life. However, they were also one of
the staple foods of the Western Mexican diet.
Discovered inside a tomb, it is possible that this
dog vessel was buried along side the deceased in
order either to provide companionship
throughout the afterlife or to serve as an eternal
meal in the next world. Considering that this
work would have once held an offering to the
deceased inside, it is more likely that this was a
replica of a beloved pet there to greet his master
in the great beyond.
- (PF.6280)
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