About the Object

The emphasized eyebrows, rounded eyes/head, and defined mouth of this pendant figure, carved from light green stone, suggest the similar attributes of M-24- or M-26-type figures, first outlined by Carlo Gay, who pioneered systematic study of Mezcala-Chontal art. These attributes likely place the creation of this object within the later phase of Mezcala stylistic development. Recovered Mezcala pendants featuring human figures may have held important functions in Mezcala tradition as amulets or charms rather than what scholars call “discoidal pendants,” which instead were probably used only as personal ornaments.

Additional Information

A great deal remains unknown about Mezcala-Chontal traditions originating in what is now the Mexican state of Guerrero because of a lack of archaeological excavation and analysis. However, interest in such extraordinary abstract forms has been generated over the past few decades, and scholars are now beginning to glean more knowledge about these remarkable traditions and their context within the broader Mesoamerican world.