Pre-Columbian Colima pottery dog

This Pre-Columbian Colima pottery dog, dating from approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE, is an iconic example of the ceramic artistry of the Colima culture, located in modern-day western Mexico. Rendered in a highly stylized form, this piece portrays a playful and robust dog with exaggerated rounded features, capturing both the physical and symbolic essence of this revered animal in ancient Mesoamerican society. The figure's smooth, polished surface showcases the reddish-orange slip typical of Colima ceramics. Its glossy finish, achieved through expert firing techniques, highlights the artistry and technical skill of the Colima potters. The sculptural form is dynamic yet simplistic, emphasizing the dog’s plump body, short legs, upright ears, and a pointed snout with closed eyes and a slightly smiling expression. The tail, which also functions as a spout, indicates that this piece may have served a ceremonial purpose, possibly as a vessel for liquids used in rituals or as a funerary offering