Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero, Mezcala culture (Balsas culture), ca. 700 to 200 BCE. A pair of stone birds, both carved from a hard black-grey stone using string cutting and drilling techniques, then hand-polished to create lustrous surfaces. Size of longer-necked bird: 3.45" L x 0.9" W x 1.5" H (8.8 cm x 2.3 cm x 3.8 cm)

One of the birds is posed sitting, with its head tilted upwards and its wings folded on its back; the bird's shape has been dictated by the shape of the stone it was made from, probably a river cobble. The second presents a rather dynamic pose, like a duck or goose preparing to attack, with the neck and head down low and the body raised up, the wings right on the back. This culture is known for its abstract carved stone figures, but these two examples show unusual realism and detail.

Provenance: Ex-Peter Arnovick Collection, San Francisco, CA

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.

#120102

Both show expected surface wear and losses commensurate with age.