About the Object

This relatively large Mezcala object is carved from an unidentified stone that may be green andesite into a standing figure. It has a flat head, pronounced eyebrows, subtle nose, and intended mouth indicative of the Mezcala tradition. This work’s unknown artist or artists has also hollowed away the stone to create the arms, as well as polished and carved away the front to create the arms and hands folded across the torso of the figure. Finally, the legs appear to be widely spaced apart and perhaps carved from a large or ceremonial celt, or hand axe.

Additional Information

Mezcala figures such as this are often associated with burial settings or have been found to have been traded/excavated by ancient Mesoamericans and reinterred in the foundations of major temples. This is a particularly defined and worked piece, perhaps indicating great skill and knowledge of stone-working associated with elite practices or an elite individual.