Jar in the shape of a howling dog

Graves in Mesoamerica often contain skeletons or lifelike statuettes of dogs. Hairless dogs (itzcuintli) were very important in this region. They accompanied warriors on the battlefield and showed them the way to the next world after death.

The dogs were also kept for their meat. Few large animals were found on the continent before the Spaniards imported cows and pigs.