About the Object

Mezcala temple or architectural models such as the work here were often carved from green and brown jadeite stone. It boasts stairs leading up to a platform with four columns hollowed out from the stone and then a second platform with the sun or another round object fashioned in relief. Finally, upon this platform is a Mezcala-style abstract human effigy figure. This figure has occasionally been interpreted as a “star gazer,” priest, or sacrificed individual.

Additional Information

The Mezcala-Chontal tradition arose in what is today the western Mexican state of Guerrero. Figures such as this were likely used in rituals connected to fertility, the life cycle, and journey of the afterlife as many of these objects are associated with burial sites of elite individuals. Given their treasured status, they could also have been prestige objects of exchange among elites.