Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Cotzumalguapa region, Maya culture, Late Classic Period, ca. 650 to 900 CE. A stunning and large basalt stone fragment, relief carved with a supernatural being: Tlaloc, the god of rain, in an intimidating forward facing stance. The lower part of the stone tapers to a rounded base that suggest this functioned as some type of architectural element for a temple or other important building. The columnar figure raises his hand upward with an S shaped spiral placed over his open palm- which is part of the glyph for clouds. His visage is stylized: ovoid, lidded eyes, flared ears and spools, an unusual mustache-like upper lip over a mouth filled with fangs. The forked tongue is symbolic of vegetation tendrils sprouting and rejuvenation. Size: 19" L x 8"W x 20" H (48.3 cm x 20.3 cm x 50.8 cm)

Tlaloc (Chaac to the Maya) is the Mesoamerican rain deity, who with his axe made of lightning, strikes the clouds and produces thunder and rain; his worship was widespread and well established by the time of the Aztecs, and became one of their chief deities. In Aztec iconography, he is depicted with goggles around his eyes and large fangs. He is also frequently represented in artwork from Teotihuacan and seems to have been one of the most commonly depicted of the Mesoamerican gods. In rituals, dancers and impersonators wore his distinctive goggle mask and a headdress capped by heron feathers.

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired in 2002

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#173321

Large fragment as shown. Old losses and softening to abraded areas.