The ancient Colima culture of Mexico

Archaeological evidence dates human occupation of the region of Colima, Mexico as far back as 1500 BCE. During the Los Artices era, which began around 500 BCE, shaft tombs and a distinctive ceramic style called rojo bruñido, or burnished red appeared. During the Comala phase, around 100 to 600 CE, the Comala perfected burnished red pottery and created representations of people and animals with skill and fluid lines. The best known are the so-called fattened dogs. Comala sites began to reflect the influence of Teotihuacan with the construction of monumental pyramids and plazas and the appearance of the gods Huehueteotl and Tlaloc.

Playful Puppies earthenware 300 BCE-300CE Colima Mexico at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California.

Female standing figure, west Mexico, Colima, 300 BCE - 300 CE, earthenware, at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California.

Seated figure holding bowl, west Mexico, Colima, 300 BCE - 300 CE, earthenware, at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California


Musician with gourd, Colima, West Mexico, 300 BCE - 300 CE, earthenware, at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California.
Musician with gourd, Colima, West Mexico, 300 BCE - 300 CE, earthenware, at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California.

Dog scratching its head, Colima, West Mexico, 300 BCE - 300 CE Earthenware at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California.

Lying dog West Mexico Ancient Colima 300 BCE - 300 CE earthenware at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California.

Male figurine West Mexico Colima 300 BCE - 300 CE Earthenware at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California

Closeup of Playful Puppies earthenware 300 BCE-300CE Colima Mexico at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California.

Seated dog West Mexico Ancient Colima 300 BCE-300 CE Earthenware at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California.

Seated dog West Mexico Ancient Colima 300 BCE-300 CE Earthenware at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California.

Seated figure Mexico Colima 300 BCE-300 CE Earthenware, at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California.


Closeup of Seated figure holding bowl, west Mexico, Colima, 300 BCE - 300 CE, earthenware, at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, California

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