Pre-Columbian, Gulf Coast Mexico, Veracruz (Vera Cruz), ca. 5th to 7th century CE. A hand-carved stone hacha in the form of an abstract anthropomorphic head. The diagonal, almond-shaped eyes rest above a bulbous nose and an almost simian-style mouth, and a thick bar creates a vertical forehead ornament. The back periphery has a head band with a shallow groove, and traces of pale orange pigment are visible across the composition. A back tenon suggests that this was set into a wall or a series of other similar hachas. Size: 4" W x 6.25" H (10.2 cm x 15.9 cm); 8.4" H (21.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Hachas were associated with the ritual Mesoamerican ball game, though they were not actually part of the player's equipment. Instead these were worn during ritualistic ceremonies related to the game. The name stems from the fact that they were believed to be axe-heads; hence the term hacha (Spanish for axe). Based on ceramic figures and imagery on stone carvings, some authors have proposed that hachas were meant to be attached to yugos (yokes). Others suggest that some of the hachas could have served as ball court markers.
Provenance: ex-Merrin Gallery, New York, New York, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#149892
Condition
Minor abrasions and nicks to peripheries, tenon, and face, with softening to some finer details, and fading to original pigment, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice earthen deposits and traces of original pigment throughout.