About the Object

Standing Mezcala human figures such as this object were created by carving and pecking dark green diorite stone. The figure’s arms are folded in front of the body, while the representation of human-like eyes, nose, and mouth identify the work with the M-6 style, probably placing it early to midway through the Mezcala tradition.

Additional Information

This Mezcala figure, originating in what is today the western state of Guerrero, Mexico, was likely recycled from a stone celt, or hand axe, and was probably shaped into its human-like form after it became too dull to serve its original use. The object’s color, original purpose, and later Mezcala reworking were likely connected through ritual with notions of life, death, and rebirth.