The original "corn dog." The Mexican states of Colima and Jalisco have a renowned level of quality to their ceramic ware. Smooth, controlled contours and natural, relaxed expressions were a hallmark of the Colima ceramic style, which dates from 200 BCE to 500 CE. The dog in this sculpture carries an ear of corn in its mouth.
National Museum of Anthropology and History
West Mexico's early Classic ceramics are best known from the ancient "Shaft-Tomb" cultures, named for the vertical chimneys and lobed chambers reserved for elite burial. The deceased were adorned with fine gemstone jewelry and accompanied with a vast assortment of ceramic sculptures representing rulers, warriors, shamans, commoners, and even wildlife. This small figure portrays a warrior in defensive posture, tall shield brandished close to the body and a widely arched headpiece capping the head.
Worcester Art Museum
Although dogs seem to be the most common animal in western Mesoamerican pottery, imaginative figures have been made of many other kinds of local animals: parrots, rats, deer and even this mouse and this little spider. These ceramics had additional use as jars, as shown by the attached neck or spout.
National Museum of Anthropology and History
High-profile members of the Colima communities were buried with luxuries such this small recliner. These recliners usually have a bird shape. I would argue that, of all the works on this page, this is the one that best indicates high status.
American Museum of Natural History
The Comala style occurred between Colima and Jalisco from roughly 100 BCE to 300 CE. Several figures from the Late Comala style depict dancers garbed with elaborate, animal headpieces; for some of these dancers, the ceramic headpiece is in fact detachable. The headpiece for this small dancer sculpture, which also appears to come from the Late Comala style, resembles a crocodile.
National Museum of Anthropology and History