Colima
Mexico
Dog, 100–300
Ceramic
9 1/2 x 6 1/16 x 13 1/16 inches
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John R. Kennedy, 99.57.3

Dogs had important religious significance in ancient Mexican art. They were believed to have strong ties to the underworld, guiding humans there after death. Another iconographical connection was between dogs and the rain or storm god. The dog was considered to be the god’s servant and was closely linked with lightning in Mesoamerican art. Another important association with dogs in the ancient Mexican world was with food. Small hairless dogs were raised primarily to eat, as there was very little livestock available throughout Mesoamerica. The dogs were fattened and killed most likely for feasts or as ritual offerings rather than as everyday fare.