Sculptural vessel with the form of a dog

Shaft Tomb Culture art created dogs in an extraordinary assortment of forms: as individual figures or in groups, aspiring to realism or abstraction, sometimes with fantastical elements, and it is possible distinguish different breeds. The range of postures, attitudes and moods are all consistent with dogs' behavior and nature. So in addition to the remarkable quality of the art, you can also notice that they had a keen understanding of dogs, and it is possible that they occasionally used dogs as direct models.

This sculpture is an example of what is described above. You can recognize a frightened male dog. One would see a similar posture and facial expression on a real dog. It was sculpted leaning to the side, its body coiled, with its legs pulled in and its tail drawn against its body, as though it is trying to protect itself. The head is turned up, and it seems to be looking up with distress with wide, drooping eyes with eyelids; its ears are erect showing that it is on the alert. The nose is a significant feature, which creates a very realistic expression of aggression; its lips are drawn baring its teeth; the teeth, marked with incisions, are closed. Because the corners of its mouth are turned down, the middle section of teeth is the most visible, and only the bottom row can be seen on the sides.

It creates the complete impression of a scared dog, at the point of biting or attacking if it continues to be harassed. Other anatomical details the sculptor included are perforated nostrils, separated toes, genitals and even the anus, which stand out in relief. It is possible that the dog is a tlalchichi, a Nahuatl term for a breed of dogs with hair, short thin legs, and a long torso and head. They were frequently featured by artists in the valley of Colima in the famous Comala style. Another characteristic feature of this style is that the sculptures have elements of a vessel, particularly of a spout, hence the tube shape projecting out of its back.