About the Object
This work’s triangular nose, shaped head, and slight indentation to convey eyes are clues that this standing figure represents an early moment in the stylistic development of the Chontal tradition. It was fashioned out of green mottled stone by an unknown artist using carving and pecking methods.
Additional Information
This Chontal figure, like many similar objects in the Mezcala-Chontal tradition, was likely recycled from an earlier stone celt, or hand axe. Such objects were deeply revered because they were seen to possess the power of every human or animal that would be slain with them.
Private Collection, Arizona;
[Ron Messick Fine Arts, Santa Fe, NM];
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