Description:

Pre-Columbian, Guerrero Mexico, ca. 700 to 200 BCE. This is a finely made, small greenstone axe figure. The neck, legs, and marks on the body were string cut; the face has clearly delineated brows and nose. These stone axe figures are common from this period, representing 15-20% of all artifacts found, and are named for the Rio Mezcala (Balsas) valley where they are commonly found. The Mezcala style is known only through stone carving, which is done using strings with the aid of sandstone for abrasion. This is a fine example with a nice heft. Comes with custom stand. Size: 2" W x 4.5" H (5.1 cm x 11.4 cm)

Compare similar examples in Gay & Pratt Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero, Mexico; Balsas Publications, Geneva, 1992, pp193-199.

Provenance: Ex- James Caswell collection, Santa Monica, CA, ex Historia Antiques

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#113433

  • Condition: Loss to very bottom of left leg else excellent

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May 12, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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