Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico, Guerrero region, Mezcala culture, ca. 600 to 100 BCE. A hand-carved omphacite jade figure known as an axe god, so called because scholars surmise the ancient Mezcala artisans repurposed broken or otherwise damaged axe heads into these compositions. The mottled sage and forest green hues of the figure lend to its intriguing presentation when coupled with the minimalist body, bulbous head, and string-cut facial features. Cinnabar-based pigment is applied within the grooves of the arms and legs to decorate the figure and contrast with the verdant stone coloration. Size: 2.75" W x 5.5" H (7 cm x 14 cm); 5.8" H (14.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private L.M. collection, Illinois, USA, acquired in the 1980s

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#172101

  • Condition: Possible repair to bottom of right foot, but very well executed if present. Minor abrasions to legs, arms, body, and head, with light encrustations and caliche, and very light fading to cinnabar pigment. Great surface smoothness and preservation to overall form. Old inventory label behind left leg.

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August 11, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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