Description:

Pre-Columbian, Guerrero, Mexico, Mezcala, ca. 1000 to 400 BCE. A hand-carved, deep grey-green stone (probably andesite) depicting a standing anthropomorphic figure, the human physiognomy displaying appealing stylization. The ancient artisans of this region were particularly adept at reducing the human body to simple, eloquent forms via a string cut technique. Note the dramatically tapered head, cut separation between the legs, and abstract facial features showing a clearly delineated brow, mouth, and nose that ironically appeal to a modernist taste for minimalism. Size: 10.75" H (27.3 cm); 11.25" H (28.6 cm) on included custom stand.

This anthropomorphic stone axe celt displays the elegant minimalist aesthetic of M-10 types, which according to expert Carlo Gay showed significant changes advancing them over the previous four types. For instance, note how the flat plane across the lower section of the face creates an illusion of a nose. 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)

Provenance: ex-Ketteler Collection, Germany

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#131969

  • Condition: Minute nicks to peripheries. Small loss to back of one foot. Expected surface wear commensurate with age and earthen deposits.

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April 5, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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