PS2404
This statuette, carved from dark green metadiorite, is a characteristic example of the M18 type of Mezcala figures. It features a sturdy build with short, separated legs and arms that are grooved and folded against a well-defined torso. The large, tapered head displays deeply carved facial grooves typical of this type, with a horizontal mouth, a large rounded nose, and indented eyes.
Sculpture models like these comprise part of the Mezcala artistic tradition, known for its abstract, geometric renderings of human, animal, and architectural forms in hard stone. Through painstaking drilling, sawing, and polishing with stone tools, master artisans elicited clean, elegant lines from unyielding materials like andesite and metadiorite. Named for the region of Guerrero, Mexico, these effigies have long attracted attention for the beauty of their simplicity. Cf. Gay, C. and Pratt, F., Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero, Mexico. Geneva: Balsas Publications, 1992, pl. 62). Type M18 figures are distinguished from other styles in that they are formed from river cobbles, rather than the celt forms showing roughened tops of the heads.
Medium: Green metadiorite
Dimensions: Height: 5 1/4 inches (13.3 cm), Width: 2 1/2 inches (6.3 cm)
Condition: Excellent, intact, nice carving, and overall polish. Classic roughened texture on the head and areas with small amounts of encrustation.
Provenance: Fernandez Family collection, acquired by Ricardo Fernandez in the 1940s - 1960s. Mr. Fernandez permanently moved his collection to Miami, FL in the 1960s. Privately sold in 2015 to a southwest collection. Copy of provenance letter available.
Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.
Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.
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