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statue of a cat with a hat on its head on a wooden basestatue of a dog with a hat on its head
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259 - Western MEXICO, Colima culture, zoomorphic effigy vase depic…
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Estimate CHF 1,000 - CHF 1,400
Sale commission
Description
Western MEXICO, Colima culture, zoomorphic effigy vase depicting a standing dog, made of engobed and burnished terracotta, with a smoothed surface and a mottled black and red patina, featuring a flared neck on the back. The vase is a classic example of the Colima culture. Mounted on a plinth. With documentation from the boutique ‘L’Exotique’, no. 2003. H. 25 x 25 x 14.5 cm (with plinth) ‘L’Exotique’, the shop of the explorer H.M. Berney As is. Good condition. These polished terracotta vessels, characteristic of the pit-grave tradition, were used as funerary offerings. The neck of the vase is generally integrated functionally into the animal’s anatomy, often taking the form of its tail or back. These pieces are recognisable by very precise morphological details: a stocky shape, a rounded and pot-bellied body, often interpreted as a sign of fattening (these dogs were sometimes used as food or for ritual sacrifice). Spiritual role: The dog embodied the psychopomp guide tasked with leading the soul of the deceased through the trials of the underworld (Mictlan).
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About the sale BACK TO AUCTION — The start of the new auction season
Auction location
Auction time 09/08/2026 at 2:30 PM
Ref. : MOBZ2
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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