Miniature Teotihuacan Jadeite Dog Amulet

**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Valley of Mexico, Teotihuacan, ca. 3rd to 7th century CE. A hand-carved jadeite amulet with fine string-cut features presenting an animated miniature canine. This charm features characteristic slit form eyes and mouth, a rounded snout, and raised ears centered atop the head. The dog’s body is rounded towards its tail with discernible front legs, where a suspension hole has been drilled. The dog has an overall jubilant presence. Size: 1.2" L x 1" W (3 cm x 2.5 cm)

Dogs were important symbols in the region and period. They were believed to serve their masters even after death, guiding the soul of the deceased through the many hazardous layers of the underworld to reach Mictlan, the place of the dead. Also, a god known as Xolotl—sometimes depicted with the head of a dog—had strong ties to the underworld.

Provenance: private Matrisciano collection, Thousand Oaks, California, USA, before 2001

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A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#163225
Condition Report: Nice earthen deposits in crevices, excellent overall condition.