A Large Mezcala-Chontal Figure...

Description

A Large Mezcala-Chontal Figure
Mexico, c. 300-100 BC

Carved from mottled blue-green hardstone with natural veining, this imposing standing figure is notable for its unusual depth, nearly three inches, which gives it a strong sense of frontal volume despite the flat reverse. The arms are cut free from the body in large oval openings and bend inward, with the hands raised to the abdomen. A deep central cut separates the legs, while grooves indicate the ankles and feet. The face is especially well carved, almost cubistic in its clarity, with a prominent raised nose on a narrow ridge, a raised mouth, and long oval eyes set beneath thick brows. The figure brings together Mezcala abstraction and Chontal modeling with unusual assurance. Large in scale and strongly worked, it has the presence of a ritual object rather than a simple reduction of an earlier celt form. A powerful and finely carved example of this late Mezcala-Chontal manner. In excellent condition.

Provenance:
The Vilcek Foundation
Reinhard Kistermann Collection, Caracas, Venezuela

Height: 11 ¼ inches

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000.

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