Mezcala Greenstone Figurine

Pre-Columbian era, Mezcala culture, c. 300-100BC, Guerrero, Mexico.

Absolutely stunning example of an abstract anthropomorphic figure. The most well-known Guerrero style is called Mezcala, primarily small-sized abstract stone sculptures depicting human figures, masks or face panels, animals, purely geometric shapes, and colonnaded structures were carved in an abstract, minimally detailed style. Many were buried in offering caches, but they may have served ritual purposes prior to their deposition. The later Aztecs apparently excavated Mezcala sculptures and valued them, since the works have been found among the dedicatory offerings excavated underneath at the Templo Mayor, the sacred center of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán.

Imposing figure is hand-carved from brownish dark green stone with light brown and cream-hued inclusions. The general green colour of the stone has been linked throughout Mesoamerica with vital essence, regenerative forces, transformative powers and fertility deities. The slender Mezcala figure stands atop a pair of fused legs and has a string-cut grooves delineating the waistline and arms. The string-cut grooves defining the small nose, frowning lips, nasolabial folds, eyes and ears with corseted neck. Exceptional condition. Intact. Though slightly pitted, the surfaces exhibit an incredibly smooth texture indicative of being rigorously polished. Size approx. 9,0cm x 2,5cm x 1,5cm. Custom stand included.