Description:

Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico, Guerrero region, Mezcala culture, ca. 500 to 200 BCE. An incredibly well-preserved example of an stylized anthropomorphic axe god figure of a Type M-12 variant that is hand-carved from mottled grey-green diorite with ample black inclusions. The figure stands upon delineated, tapered legs, holds both arms diagonally against the rounded torso, and bears a string-cut neckline above angled shoulders. The elongated head bears characteristic string-cut features such as bulging brows, a broad, crested nose, tapered cheeks and chin, and a horizontal mouth slit, all beneath a tapered forehead. The surfaces of the stone are incredibly smooth in some areas from rigorous polishing after it was first carved. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 2.4" W x 8.9" H (6.1 cm x 22.6 cm)

Exhibited in the University of St. Thomas Art Gallery.

For a couple of strikingly similar examples of Type M-12 variant figures, please see: Gay, Carlo and Frances Pratt. "Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero Mexico." Balsas Publications, Geneva, 1992, pp. 40-41, plates 23-24.

Provenance: ex-private collection of the late Father Bader, University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas, USA; exhibited in the University of St. Thomas Art Gallery, acquired prior to 2000

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#154272

  • Condition: Minor abrasions and light encrustations to legs, body, and head, with light calcifications, otherwise intact and near-choice. Nice earthen deposits and smooth surface texture throughout.

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April 9, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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