Pre-Columbian Stone Figure, Mezcala Type M2

Pre-Columbian Stone Figure, Mezcala Type M2

browse these categories for related items...
Directory: Archives:Regional Art:Americas:Pre Columbian: Pre AD 1000: Item # 618924

Click to view additional online photographs

Janus Antiquities
By Appointment
New Jersey
(330) 612-3957

Guest Book
SOLD

Pre-Columbian Stone Figure, Mezcala Type M2

This is an exceptionally rare Type M2 figure from the Mezcala region of Guerrero, Mexico. This type represents the earliest form of stone figure from Mezcala, which were invariably produced in dark green diorite. All early Mezcala figures were formed by abraiding existing axe heads into human shapes, with the original butt of the axe forming the head and the original blade end adapted into the feet of the figure. Therefore, almost all M2 figures, like this one, are unworked and rough on the top of the head due to their former use as functional axes -- see the enlargements. (Early Mezcala figures are limited to diorite because it was the hardest, most functional stone in the region and therefore perfect for axes. Later figures that were not carved from axe blanks could be free-carved from a wider variety of stones.) Type M2 figures are quite rare, accounting for less than 2% of the known Mezcala humanoid figures. See Carlos Gay's "Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero Mexico" for similar.

Mezcala is the name applied to a Pre-Columbian culture from the middle Balsas River region of Guerrero that developed during the third to second milennia B.C. Little is known about this society (its name even comes from a nearby modern village), but it has one of the richest lithic traditions in the Pre-Columbian world. Guerrero is a rugged, isolated region to begin with, and the Mezcala people evidently preferred to live on high ridges that were highly defensible and likely controlled by their society for milennia. As a result, Mezcala sculpture is quite unique, with an especially dignified appearance.

AGE: ca. 2000 B.C.

CONDITION: Intact and in good shape. Type M2 figures are quite schematic, but the shape of the face, arms, and legs are evident as shown. Great heft in hand and a wonderful texture.

DIMENSIONS: 4" tall (10.16 cm)