Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A fascinating hand-carved statue depicting a stylized human squatting upon his folded legs with his arms crossed over his chest in high relief. The oversized head has minimalist features; raised nose, eyes, and ovoid lips with an incised line. Atop his head is a wide brimmed cap, symbolic of mushrooms that were consumed by the Maya for their psychoactive properties which induced the hallucinogenic trancelike states of shamans. However, the Spanish priests believed these mushrooms caused a type of madness that induced hallucinations of demons and other violence, so they destroyed many of the statues that contained mushroom symbolism. Fortunately, this "fun guy" survived the destruction and is overall quite excellent! Size: 10" L x 8" W x 14" H (25.4 cm x 20.3 cm x 35.6 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Evansville, Indiana, USA, gifted from Grandfather before 2000

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#173325

Losses to mushroom cap on verso and repairs to rim of cap, infill to break lines. Rest of body is excellent with expected weathering and light mineral deposits.