Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico, Guerrero region, Mezcala culture, ca. 300 to 100 BCE. This is an incredible, abstract standing anthropomorphic figure of a large size, hand-carved from dark gray stone with creamy inclusions. The gray surface has areas that are nearly a blue denim hue, which is quite beautiful! The figure exhibits long delineated legs, and the raised ridge across the abdomen forms the arms. The flattened and smooth torso has a narrow neck that supports an oversized head with an elongated visage that exhibits string-cut grooves denoting the nasolabial folds, ears, and notched mouth, and the faint ridge down the center of the face forms the nose and upper lip. Ancient Mezcala artisans were adept at reducing the human form down to minimal, elegant shapes via the meticulous string-sawing technique, and this sizable statue exemplifies their penchant for beauty in simplicity. Size: 3.25" W x 13.5" H (8.3 cm x 34.3 cm); 13.75" H (34.9 cm) on included custom stand.

According to Carlo Gay, M-14 figures have spaces between their legs and arms "in an ongoing attempt to achieve a viable human image in stone." This example has a space between the legs as well as spaces between the arms. According to Gay and Pratt, ". . . there are comparatively few recorded M-14 figures - accounting for only 5 percent of the total number of representations of the human form . . ." Gay and Pratt also discuss an intriguing connection between M-14 figures and Mezcala architectural models created in the mountainous region of Guerrero between 300 to 100 BCE - "the space between the arms and the body being technically identical to the space between the posts of the models . . ." (Gay, Carlo and Frances Pratt. "Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero Mexico." Balsas Publications, New York, 1992, p. 67). For several examples of Type M-14 figures, please see: Gay, Carlo and Frances Pratt. "Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero Mexico." Balsas Publications, New York, 1992, pp. 66-71, figs. 7a & b, plates 54-57.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Dr. Peter Arnovick collection, California, USA, acquired in the 1970s

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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.

#168437

Minor surface abrasions, otherwise intact and choice. Mineral and earthen deposits on the surface and great coloration and inclusions.