Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico, Guerrero region, Mezcala culture, ca. 500 to 100 BCE. A spectacular example of a highly stylized anthropomorphic figure of the classic M-18 type, hand-carved from soft green-hued stone with light and dark gray inclusions. The intriguing figure presents with string-cut grooves delineating both legs and forming the waistline, arms, and deep neckline. Biconically drilled holes are drilled behind each shoulder that were perhaps used for suspending the figure from a necklace as a pendant. The bulbous head protrudes upwards from the narrow neck and bears diagonally slanted eyes, deep nasolabial folds, a sizable triangular nose, and pursed lips above a pointed chin. A fascinating example of early Guerrero lapidary artistry! Size: 1.875" W x 5.9" H (4.8 cm x 15 cm); 6.3" H (16 cm) on included custom stand.

Cf. Gay, Carlo and Frances Pratt. "Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero Mexico." Balsas Publications, Geneva, 1992, p. 81, plate 67.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private L.M. collection, Illinois, USA, acquired in the 1980s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#165016

Very light abrasions to limbs and head, with minor encrustations within some recessed areas, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful preservation to overall form and light earthen deposits throughout.