Pre-Columbian, Gulf Coast Mexico, Veracruz (Vera Cruz) culture, Postclassic period, ca. 13th to early 16th century CE. This is an amazing carved stone hacha in the form of a highly abstract anthropomorphic face! Although three-dimensional, the visage is flattened and may be a composite of a human and supernatural being or animal- a bird and man. The piece when viewed from the side resembles a massive, hooked nose with flared nostrils over a short lip and jutting jaw. A square rim encircles an incised, ovoid eye, above is a raised ridge, then a dramatic headdress panel with a drilled perforation, and the surface throughout is stippled with shallow markings. The beak like nose is unmistakably avian, shaped like the hooked bills of macaws or parrots, and the tall crest is like the plumage of many jungle birds. Birds were revered as sky animals associated with the celestial realm, acting as sacred messengers between humankind and its deities. Size: 10" L x 2" W x 7.5" H (25.4 cm x 5.1 cm x 19 cm); 10.25" H (26 cm) on included custom stand.

Hachas were associated with the ritual Mesoamerican ballgame and made of wood or light weight material. Having studied ceramic figures and imagery on stone carvings, some scholars have proposed that hachas were meant to be attached to yugos (yokes). These hefty stone versions were only worn or displayed during ritualistic ceremonies related to the game. The name stems from the fact that they were believed to be axe-heads; hence the term hacha (Spanish for axe). Others have suggested that some hachas likely served as ballcourt markers.

Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA acquired prior to 2000

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#169824

Repaired with large piece reattached to the front- the nose projection over the mouth. Abrasion and loss to top. Chips and nicks throughout and softening to finer details. Earthen and mineral deposits throughout.