Perro Colima

The Colima dog, an iconic symbol of the pre-Columbian culture of western Mexico, is known for its representation in the pottery of the Colima civilization (300 BC to 300 AD). This civilization, which belonged to the so-called shaft burial cultures , produced numerous ceramic figurines of which the dog, particularly the hairless Mexican dog (Xoloitzcuintli), played a central role. These dogs had both symbolic and practical significance, as they were associated with the death deity Xolotl and were considered companions to the afterlife.

The technique for making ceramic objects in the Colima region involves the use of local clay, which is molded by hand. After drying, the figures are fired at relatively low temperatures in open pit fires, resulting in the typical earthy tones. The original figures were often used as funerary objects.

These ceramics reflect the historical importance of pre-Columbian ceramic art and preserve the cultural heritage of the Colima civilization.