Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico, Guerrero region, Mezcala / Chontal style, ca. 600 to 400 BCE. A fine bust of an abstract anthropomorphic figure, hand-carved from a mottled beige stone with chalky-white and pale-green inclusions. The figure boasts a minimalist visage comprised of a prominent nose, pursed lips, recessed eyes, bar-shaped ears, and a planar brow line, all atop a wide chest and angular shoulders. The bottom of the chest is curved in a semi-circular fashion which resembles the bottom portion of a ceremonial celt, and the top of the head has two sets of biconically-drilled holes which suggest this may have at one time been worn as a pendant. Size: 2.875" W x 3.5" H (7.3 cm x 8.9 cm); 4.75" H (12.1 cm) on included custom stand.
The Mezcala sculptors brilliantly used string-saw technology to differentiate facial features and limbs. The ancient artisans of this region were particularly adept at reducing the human body to simple, eloquent forms via this string cut technique. The result ironically appeals to a modernist taste for minimalism. Mezcala sculptural works are equally appealing for the inherent beauty of the stone selected by the ancients. This example is no exception!
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010; ex-Arte Primitivo Gallery, New York, New York, USA
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#132609
Condition
Repair and small area of restoration to face near mouth. Age-commensurate surface wear, small nicks and chips to forehead, ears, face, chest, and bottom ridge, with light fading to some carved details, otherwise very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.