Luis Pablo: Colima Dog with Sugar Skull Mask Wood Figurine
Luis Pablo: Colima Dog with Sugar Skull Mask Wood Figurine
This playful yet powerful woodcarving by Luis Pablo reimagines the ancient Colima dog, one of Mexico’s most enduring pre-Columbian symbols. With its stout body painted in fiery red and black geometric patterns, this dog proudly carries a removable Day of the Dead sugar skull mask, blending ancient tradition with modern celebration.
In ancient Colima, dog effigies were buried with the dead to serve as loyal guides through the underworld, helping souls reach their eternal rest. Their round, plump bodies symbolized fertility, abundance, and protection, while their warmth was believed to have healing powers. Luis Pablo captures that legacy here, infusing it with the festive spirit of Día de los Muertos, a reminder that dogs remain guardians not only in life, but also in eternity.
Both whimsical and deeply symbolic, this piece embodies the continuity of Mexican tradition, where loyalty, protection, and remembrance live on in vibrant folk art form.
