Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima or Jalisco, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A charming dog-shaped figural vessel of rather different form than the usual Colima Dog, with a very long neck and huge deer-like ears that extend backward from the head. The artist has give this dog coffee-bean style eyes and six incised whiskers above a slightly open mouth full of teeth and a perky, upturned snout. The body is short and squat, with attenuated paws and a wide conical spout serving as the tail. Size: 11" L x 5.6" W x 8" H (27.9 cm x 14.2 cm x 20.3 cm) Scholars know of at least two types of Colima 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. Colima vessels such as this one were buried in shaft tombs to protect the deceased and provide sustenance for eternity. Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #131323