About the Object

Carved from an unidentified mottled green stone, this small Chontal pendant depicts a human head without any adornments. Though including more naturalistic designs than the Mezcala tradition, in most cases Chontal-style figurative sculptures reflect abstract facial features, with a special prominence given to the representation of the nose and “coffee bean” eyes similar to those of this figure. Chontal-style depiction of noses during the later period of the Chontal tradition are also usually shorter and more angular than earlier examples.

Additional Information

Like other Mezcala-Chontal figures originating in Guerrero, Mexico, this object likely played an important role in mortuary rituals of the Chontal culture. Most scholars note the importance of the lack of adornment of Chontal figurative pieces, which indicates that Chontal craftsmen may have been restrained by elite individuals or hierarchies who controlled the style of these objects.

For another object of similar style, but displaying unique adornments, please see Small Chontal Head Pendant With “Buds”