Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico, Guerrero region, Mezcala culture, ca. 500 to 200 BCE. Two axe god figures of a characteristically abstract form with round concaved eyes and indiscernible noses standing on delineated legs. One has been hand-carved and string-cut from an dark-hued greenstone with light gray inclusions. This figure has a rectangular head with dotted eyes, a slit-form mouth opening, and broad rounded shoulders. Outlines of its arms have been incised to its midsection in representative form. The second figure has a tapered head featuring sizeable, dotted eyes and a wide sloping incision that distinguishes both its mouth and nose. The figure has been carved from a dark greenstone with light brown and cream inclusions. Size of largest: 1" W x 2.92" H (2.5 cm x 7.4 cm)
Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s
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#163602
Condition
Loss to proper left leg of smaller figure as shown; larger figure is intact and very good. Drilled holes featured on both stones for suspension. Nice surface smoothness.