A stone figural carving with simplistic and minimalistic features. The form was achieved via sophisticated carving and string cutting techniques – shallow grooves forming the nasolabial folds and eyes on the face, a defined chin, and notches to indicate arms.

The Guerrero region of modern southwestern Mexico, which encompasses alluvial plains and barren mountainous areas, was the epicenter of the Mezcala and Chontal stone carving traditions.
The Mezcala sculptural style emphasizes geometric abstraction in both human figures and architectural models whereas Chontal works have an added naturalism. Even though this lapidary tradition is placed in the Preclassic period, ca. 300-100 B. C., it is clear that these portable stone figures were preserved by later Mesoamerican peoples as heirlooms. In fact, large numbers have been in excavated in ritual caches at the Templo Mayor, the main temple of the fifteenth-century Aztecs (Mexica) of Tenochititlan (Mexico City).

In the 20th century, these minimalistic Mezcala and Chontal art works attracted such artists as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and Miguel Covarrubias, the latter, comparing them to the serene and monumental Cycladic style of ancient Greece.

Accompanied by the Certificate of Authenticity.

CONDITION: Good condition. The item has been described to the best of our knowledge. If you have any questions, please refer to the photographs and send an email.