Pre-Columbian, central Mexico, Guerrero region, Chontal, ca. 800 to 400 BCE. Finely carved and string-cut from a beautiful serpentine stone of rich green hues, a standing anthroporphic figure presenting a characteristically oversized head with an expressive visage comprised of narrow, almond-shaped eyes which may have contained inlays (perhaps obsidian or a different greenstone), a prominent nose, an open mouth with delineated lips and a bump atop the head suggesting Olmecoid influence. The sculpture also displays a robust body with modeled surfaces suggestive of musculature as well as partial perforations marking the underarms that also indicate Olmec influence. The arms and legs are separated from the body and details were meticulously achieved via the string-cut technique. Size: 2.625" W x 7.625" H (6.7 cm x 19.4 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand.
Chontal sculptors created grave offerings that are dramatically abstract yet simultaneously present features that are somewhat naturalistic. The beauty of the stone in addition to the elegant delineation of the form of this example make for an impressive piece.
Provenance: ex private Florida, USA collection; ex Barry Kernerman collection, Toronto, Canada; ex Samuel Dubiner collection, Tel Aviv, Israel, acquired in the 1960s
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#161872
Condition
Losses, chips, and nicks to head, body and arms. Abrasions to surfaces. Beautiful natural stone inclusions and mineral deposits.