Western Mexico Pre-Hispanic Red Ceramic Dog Ocarina Flute, "Red Aztec Puppy"

Seated obediently, this plump little dog replicates those found in shaft tombs throughout Western Mexico. Angel Ceron Artisan Association members depict the xoloitzcuintle, a cheerful, barkless species prized by ancient man. Sculpted in clay as funerary offerings, they accompanied their masters in death to aid the soul in crossing rivers of blood along the road of the dead. The cheerful hairless red pup with wrinkled skin takes shape as a terracotta ocarina, a whistle-like flute believed to have been used in ancient ceremonies.