Page 14 - ARUBA TODAY

A14 LOCAL
Tuesday 10 March 2020

The domestic native American mute dogs Episode LIX - (59)

ORANJESTAD — Their value in ancient native cultures is evidenced by
their frequent appearance in art and artifacts. Archaeological evidence
has been found in Mexico (Colima) dating similar dogs to over 3500
years ago. Long regarded as guardians and protectors of the upper
world as well as in the underworld. Amerindians believed that the Xolo
would safeguard the home from evil spirits as well as intruders. Ceramic
representations of the Xolo, known as Colima Dogs, have been found in
hundreds of burial sites. In ancient times the Xolos were often sacrificed
and then buried with their owners to act as guide to the soul on its journey
to the underworld. They have been found in burial sites of both the Maya
and the Toltec.

These dogs were considered a great delicacy, and were consumed for sacri-
ficial ceremonies–including marriages and funerals. Most likely, these pre-Euro-
pean dogs originated as spontaneous hairless mutations of indigenous Ameri-
can dogs. Hairlessness may have conferred a survival advantage in tropical
regions. Indigenous peoples of Mexico had Xolo dogs as home and hunting
companions. These dogs have survived and today they are still very popular Newly born Xoloitzcuintle , the Mexican hairless
companion dogs. They are also the national dog of Mexico.

This same mithical atibutions are given to this canine the now officially rec-
ognized as a Peruvian Heritage, the Peruvian viringo, Peruvian hairless dog,
Calato dog, chimú or viringo dog is a breed of hairless dog and usually used
as a companion animal.
Continued on Page 15

The peruvian hair less

Artistic representation of the Aruban ceramic dog figure The local ceramic dog face