Posted 8 months ago
dav2no1
(823 items)
Dancing Dogs Of Colima
Approximately 4 5/8" x 3 1/2"
These are Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced "show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee") or Xolo, Mexican hairless dogs.
The states of Jalisco, Colima, and Nayarit, in the Pre-Columbian era, shared a tradition of burying their deceased family members in deep shaft tombs, mostly under homes. These tombs often accommodated generations of family members. A great variety of ceramic objects were produced in distinctive local styles, including dog figures.
"Colima dogs can be found in a variety of poses, often featuring large pot-bellies or maize (corn) in their mouths. Placed in burial chambers, Colima Dogs acted as or represented a source of food, a companion, or a guide to the deceased."
DOG GONE POPULAR
Dog effigies are the most commonly portrayed animal in the art of Colima. Dogs were believed to assist the dead in their journey to the Underworld.
SORRY LADY, NOT JUST THE DOGS
"Dogs are not the only animals portrayed in the ceramics of Colima: fauna (ducks, fish, crabs, parrots and serpents, for example), and flora (such as squashes, fruits and cacti) are all realistically represented. Human representations include hunchbacks and dwarfs, musicians playing a variety of instruments, and males holding bowls. Women are rarely depicted."
AZTECS, MAYANS AND DINNER
"Archaeological evidence has been found in the tombs of the Colima, Mayan, Toltec, Zapotec, and Aztec people dating the breed to over 3500 years ago. Long regarded as guardians and protectors, the indigenous peoples believed that the Xolo would safeguard the home from evil spirits as well as intruders."
"These dogs were considered a great delicacy, and were consumed for sacrificial ceremonies – including marriages and funerals."
**Some history links
https://www.monah.org/artifact-blog/2020/8/21/colima-dogs
https://smarthistory.org/dog-colima/#:~:text=Dog%2C%20Colima%20culture%2C%20c.,their%20journey%20to%20the%20Underworld.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogs_in_Mesoamerican_folklore_and_myth
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-facts-about-xoloitzcuintlis/#:~:text=They%27re%20the%20Oldest%20Dogs,were%20prized%20by%20ancient%20cultures.
HEY..CHECK OUT THE GIANT DANCING DOGS IN COLIMA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillermo_R%C3%ADos_Alcal%C3%A1
When I was in Nam in 66. I read in the Stars and Stripes newspaper that SPECIAL FORCES trained
16 German Shepherd's with their Handlers for war against VC!! The Dogs got shipped to the mountain people's village in Vietnam. The Solder's that trained with the dogs where delayed getting there!! By the Time they reached the village, the mountain people thought they were a gift and ate them All!!
When I was in Saigon at the food market, they sold starving tied up dogs for eating!! The rest of the story is too Gross to tell.
Stuff
Stuff...Wow..sad story. But when you're hungry, you eat or die.
dav2no1, Cute. <3
Thanks for getting the "SH" pronunciation of "X" in a Nahuatl word right. };-)
And yes, the story about the trained German Shepherds being eaten is sad, but I myself eat meat, so I usually try not to get too judgmental about what other people find to be legitimate food sources. I'm actually a bit squeamish about eating things like veal and lamb, but then I have the luxury of choices.
Awesome pair of dancing dogs, great artistry & thanks for the wonderful history
Jenni - Tyanks for the comments. Every piece I try to learn something..