Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero region, Mezcala culture, ca. 500 BCE to 500 CE. A superb and museum quality stone carving of a miniature architectural model that may have represented a building or funerary structure. The facade is carved from a single piece of stone with a slightly curved shape, the incised lines form a central staircase and the tiered foundation for the building. The roof supported by 6 slender columns. Notably, the verso side is uncarved, suggesting the piece was designed to be viewed exclusively from the front. These architectural models possess a mysterious appeal to researchers and collectors, as their exact meaning and purpose remain largely elusive! Despite the common temple attribution, scholars have proposed that when placed in graves, these models may have served as portals to the spirit world or as abodes for the deceased. Size: 7" W x 8" H (17.8 cm x 20.3 cm); 9.2" H (23.4 cm) on included custom stand

For additional information please reference Carlo Gay's book ""Mezcala Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero Mexico."" New York: Balsas Publications, 1992.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private private collection, Texas, USA, acquired from 1963 to 1970

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#184078

Intact and choice, museum quality. Remains of earthen deposits red pigment.