Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero, Mezcala culture (Balsas culture), ca. 700 to 200 BCE. A tall example of Mezcala greenstone carving, a standing figure with a fascinating shape. The band around the waist may be interpreted as a yoke from the Mesoamerican ballgame or perhaps as clasped hands. The type of stone it is made out of is a smooth grey-green andesite, a volcanic rock that, although hard and therefore difficult to carve, was heavily favored by the Mezcala and used to create many of their human form sculptures and some of their architectural models. These were carved in the form of symbolic axe heads. We do not know what figures like these represented, but because they are found in tombs, many researchers believe that they have something to do with the dead: their spirits, or a type of death mask. Comes with custom stand. Size: 1.9" W x 6.4" H (4.8 cm x 16.3 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Peter Arnovick collection, San Francisco, CA acquired before 1980

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#118673

Some age wear to form, but features are clear.