Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico, Guerrero region, Mezcala culture, ca. 500 to 200 BCE. The figure presents with string-cut grooves delineating both legs and forming the arms, neck, nose, and brow. Figures like this one are deemed as 'axe gods' based on scholars' suppositions that they were carved from repurposed stone axe heads that had been damaged or otherwise unusable. This figure is of the M-10 type - the primary foundational stylistic elements characterizing Mezcala figures were established by expert and author Carlo Gay. Size: 4.25" L x 1.75" W (10.8 cm x 4.4 cm); 5.25" H (13.3 cm) on included custom stand.

According to Gay, "At its best, the M-10 type epitomizes Mezcala sculpture, representing an optimal solution to carving a viable portrayal of the human figure in an intractable material and with simple tools." (Carlo Gay, "Mezcala Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero Mexico." New York: Balsas Publications, 1992 p. 51). For a similar example, see plate 36 on p. 53 of Gay's text.

Provenance: private West Hollywood, California, USA collection; ex-Lin Emery (1926-2021) collection, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, acquired prior to 2000

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#175558

  • Condition: Repaired, leg reattached. Chips to head. Heavy mineral encrustations on surface as shown. Adhesive residue on verso from previous display mounting.

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January 12, 2023 8:00 AM MST
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