Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero, Mezcala, ca. 400 to 100 BCE. A superb Mezcala greenstone anthropomorphic figure, string-cut from an inherently beautiful speckled deep green stone. Stylistically, this piece is of the M-6 variety, distinguished from the two preceding types by four traits as delineated by expert Carlo Gay, "In general, the face is broader and flatter; the sloping cheek planes meet at the center to form a vertical ridge suggesting a nose; the temporal-parietal area is flatter; and the forearms are innovatively indicated by two diagonaly grooves slanted upward to the center of the abdomen." (Carlo Gay and Frances Pratt, "Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero Mexico," Switzerland and New York: Balsas Publications, 1992, p. 47.) While ancient, this piece appeals to the modern eye for its minimalist aesthetic, employing elegant lines via the string-saw technique to differentiate limbs and facial features. So elegant! Custom, museum-quality stand. Size: figure itself measures 1.5" W x 3" H (3.8 cm x 7.6 cm); 3.5" H (8.9 cm) on stand

Provenance: Ex - Dr. Peter Arnovik Collection, California

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#115515

Beautifully burnished stone yet some peck marks remain on top of head. Wonderful!