Seri Mexico Ironwood Black Sitting Dog

Late 20th Century

2.25"H x 2.25" L x .75" W

Hand Carved from Ironwood with a Smooth Polished Surface

From a Private Colorado Collection

Excellent Condition

Seri Mexico Ironwood Black Sitting Dog is a hand-carved figurine made from desert ironwood (palo fierro, scientific name Olneya tesota), a extremely dense, heavy wood from the Sonoran Desert in northwest Mexico (and parts of the southwest US).

This style of carving originated with the Seri (Comcaac) indigenous people of Sonora, Mexico, starting in the mid-20th century as a way to generate income from tourism after economic changes disrupted their traditional livelihoods. They began with sea creatures and utilitarian items, then expanded to various animals. The craft later spread to non-Seri carvers in the region, who often produce similar pieces, sometimes using power tools.