Handmade Mexican Protection Ceramic Dog Sculpture, "Underworld Dog Guide"

Dogs as domesticated pets held a place of importance throughout many of Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures. Always loyal, the dog was trusted to lead its master's soul to the realm of the dead, for dogs were believed to see spirits. Artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association craft this extraordinary ceramic sculpture, a replica of the museum piece dated between 950 and 1521 AD.