Colima Dog Holding Corn
by Angel Ceron
Colima, Mexico
hand burnished clay
8" high x 12" long x 5" deep
The animal most frequently depicted in Colima art is the hairless dog, known as the Techichi or Escuincle. It is believed to be a relative of the Chihuahua and/or the Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintle).
The word Xoloitzcuintle (pronounced show-low-eats-queen´-tlee) is derived from the name of the Aztec god Xolotl (twin brother of the god Quetzacoatl), and the Aztec word for dog, itzcuintli.
Highly prized for their curative and mystical powers, the Xolo's purity of breed appears to have been maintained throughout the ages. Known to exist in Mexico for more than 3,000 years, the Xolo (show-low) can justly claim the distinction as first dog of the Americas.
