Mezcala Greenstone Standing Figure - PF.4981,Origin: Guerrero, Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.875" (17.5cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Mezcala,Medium: Greenstone. Only a few types of archaeological artifacts remain as witness to the Mezcala culture; including standing figures, funerary masks, and miniature stone temples. All three point to a developed religion, which utilized artists to give visual expression to belief. This very fine male figure stands in a rigid pose with his long arms absolutely vertical, and his hands placed precisely over his lower abdomen. His deep set eyes show considerable expression; as does the simple but effective horizontal groove of the mouth. Angularity and high abstraction are characteristic features of Mezcala statues, though this particular one bears more 'realistic' elements than many. The prong shaped legs suggest the statue was made to be inserted into the ground, perhaps as part of a group of figures in a ceremonial setting. There is something serious about this figure; and at the same time very affectionate in the way he looks at us with wonder and innocence.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico