Olmec Blackware Canine Effigy Vessel, ca. 300 B.C-A.D. 300

with fine thin walls, the tightly curled weary dog with its head lifted in a protective growl against the body, nostrils flared and eyes and ears pulled back, it's slender body showing the spinal ridge, and legs tightly folded to the body, with extensive remains of pink stucco.

Valetta Malinowska
New York collection, acquired from the above prior to 1972, (Sotheby's, New York, May 19, 1992, lot 90)

Overall very good, has small area of fill at rim behind the dog head, 2-3 cracks/break on base near backside that extend in short arc up the side . Overall very good modeling, stucco areas strong.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This dramatic depiction shows stylistic affinities to Las Bocas blackware vessels, as well as the thin orangeware Teotihuacan ceramics. Such an intense portrayal of the canine is also seen in Colima redware effigy vessels and later Gulf Coast ceramic effigies. The canine was an important animal in its role as protector and companion, spirit guide for souls and as a food source. For the Aztecs, the canine known as Xolotl was an important deity. 

For Las Bocas effigy vessels see Feuchtwanger (1989:146-155); for an orangeware canine vessel from the Puebla region, see Les Azteques, Trésors du Mexique Ancien (1987, vol. 2: cat. no. 111), for a  Colima depiction of a fierce canine,  see Townsend,  ed. (1998:211, Fig. 16); and for the style of a large canine effigy from the Gulf Coast in the Janssen collection, see Le Fort, ed. (2005: 77).

Valetta Malinowska was the second wife of Bronislaw Malinowski (1884-1942), the noted anthropologist and ethnographer of theTrobriand Islands, and Professor of Anthropology, Yale University (1939-1942). Valetta Malinowska moved permanently to Mexico in 1946 after his death.