One of the most exciting and expressive Pre-Columbian art styles belongs to a group of people who lived in the Pacific region of ancient Mexico close to the 13,000-foot-high volcano "Colima." Here, artists modeled in clay a rich assortment of animal and plant figures, a striking example of which is revealed in this dog-effigy vessel. Portrayed with detailed sculptural quality, this canine was created as a burial object, its function to accompany the deceased on his or her long journey to the after-life. The dog's spirit acts as both guide and guard. This particular breed of ancient canine is known as the Mexican techichi. Hairless dogs, their wrinkled gray skin's color of stone gave them the ancient name techichi (tetl meaning "stone," chichi meaning "dog"). The unusual position of the dog stirs our curiosity, leading our eyes to carefully examine the well sculpted physical structure of the animal. Sitting in a crouching position, the face is completely turned around to face upward. What could have been the purpose of sculpting a dog is such a position that is physically impossible? Perhaps the sculpture was to embody the mystical power of this endearing dog that accompanied its owner into the underworld. This sculpted canine expresses most ardently an ancient people's extreme regard for an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounded them.