Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Aztec Empire, ca. 1400 to 1521 CE. A hand-carved volcanic stone figure of sizable form, perhaps depicting a male deity, seated upon an integral stool while holding both hands palm-up atop bent knees. Between his legs is a loincloth depicting a second face with parted lips and bulging eyes, perhaps representing a captive or trapped lesser god. The seated entity wears a lengthy pectoral ornament in front of his chest as well as a headdress bearing openwork lateral loops, a heart-shaped emblem on the front, and spiraling forms on top. His heart-shaped face bears protruding ovoid eyes, a thick nose with flared nostrils, and full lips curled into a slight scowl. Size: 5.75" L x 7.25" W x 15.75" H (14.6 cm x 18.4 cm x 40 cm)

Aztec stone sculpture is a culmination of centuries of stone carving in Mesoamerica, and, using fragile volcanic stone, these ancient artists were able to create remarkably detailed and poignant artworks. Based on the figure's pose, this is almost certainly a male deity. The Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History substantiates this masculine designation by explaining how deity figures were "customarily shown in frontal view and strictly symmetrical, females are frequently kneeling, while male figures are often sitting with their knees drawn up and their arms crossed upon them." Aztec people would have instantly known who this god was and what it meant to see him in his place of honor.

Provenance: private Hidden Valley Lake, California, USA collection, acquired from Prestige Auction House, Ho Ho Kus, New Jersey, USA, February 27, 2020, Lot 20

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#170805

Minor nicks and abrasions across composition, with softening to some finer details, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Nice earthen deposits throughout.