A Standing Mezcala Figure...

Description

A Standing Mezcala Figure
Mexico, c. 300-100 BC

Carved and polished from a light green stone, possibly andesite, this standing figure belongs to the M-10/M-12 group in the Gay typology. The oversized oval head, prominent brows, cut eyes, slight nose, ears, and slightly open mouth are characteristic of the Mezcala style. The form preserves the memory of the arching form of the original celt, or hand axe, from which the figure was made. A strong and classic example of the middle phase of Mezcala sculpture. Gay and Pratt describe the M-10 type as one that, at its best, "epitomizes Mezcala sculpture," and places related M-10 and M-12 standing figures in the Late Preclassic.

Mezcala figures are often associated with burials and offering contexts, suggesting roles in ritual and afterlife belief, while their greenstone material would also have carried wider associations of fertility and fecundity in Mesoamerica. Later Mexica (Aztec) deposits at the Templo Mayor included Mezcala figures in offerings linked to fecundity, showing that such works continued to hold meaning long after they were made. Custom metal stand. In very good condition; a ¾ inch scuff on the proper right forehead; the crown of the head is unfinished, a feature often seen in Mezcala figures.

Reference: Carlo Gay and Frances Pratt, Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero, Mexico (Geneva, 1992); Carlo Gay, Ancient Ritual Stone Artifacts: Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica (1995).

Provenance:
The Vilcek Foundation

Height: 7 inches

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