Description:

Pre-Columbian, Guerrero Region, Mexico, Mezcala, ca. 500 to 100 BCE. A greenstone votive pendant or amulet in the shape of a vessel and a fine axe head pecked and polished from a gorgeous greenstone. The jar effigy represents a skin bag / gourd shaped vessel with 3 lug handles around the body and neck with a shallow drilled mouth. While actual skin bags and gourds have not survived the test of time, this amulet is an outstanding example of sculpture that sheds light on the everyday domestic life of the Mezcala. Size of axe: 4.5" L x 2" W (11.4 cm x 5.1 cm)

A similar example and more information about these skin bag and gourd effigies are published in Carlo Gay's book, "Mezcala Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero Mexico". New York: Balsas Publications, 1992 p. 184-188.

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970.

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#178234

  • Condition: Minor nicks and surface ware. Mineral deposits and patina on one face of blade. Jar is intact and very good.

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June 1, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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