Colima Museum of Regional History

                     Colima Museum of Regional History 






      Another exceptional small museum in Colima is located on the north side of the central plaza. It tells the story of Colima's development from around 1500 BC to the present. Each major historical period is located in a separate room with clear explanations in both Spanish and English. 


      The early pre-hispanic period called Chanal, dating from 1500 BC to about 1200 AD and recently documented, is one of the most fascinating exhibits. Included are the graceful ceramic vessels, tools, weapons, musical instruments and human figures. There are also many miniature detailed clay scenes illustrating the daily life of its resident. These artifacts were all found in the many tomb shafts found and studied in the last 50 years. There is also a large model of a tomb shaft with the artifacts of burials. 

Figures Shows Growth on Chest

A Chief?

Smaller Delicate Scenes

Note Triangular Head Shape

A Sensitive Woman

     A major element of this culture was the adoration of a special dogs called Xoloitzcuintles. Although not confined to this area of Mexico, but so many of these shiny red-clay figures have been uncovered by archaeologistss in Colima, that they've become known as Colima dogs. Most of these figures are just standing on their four thick legs but sometimes they're dancing jooyfully with each other or sitting on their haunches smiling quizzically.

Xoloitzcuintles- Sacred Dogs

      The Aztecs believed that Xoloitzcuintles helped human souls each their final resting place in the afterworld, which explains why the statues(and the dogs themselves) have been found in tombs. The dogs were believed to possess mystical curative powers and people often slept with them, hoping to be relieved of their ailments. This may be why they were also part of the ancient diet, a fact that would explain their charming rotundity. These dogs are still prized by collectors and the purebred Mexican Hairless, (Frida Kahlo kept them). It is one of the oldest and rarest domesticated breeds in the world.