Mezcala Stone Standing Figure - PF.2330,Origin: Guerrero, Mexico,Circa: 500 BC to 400 AD,Dimensions: 8.25" (21.0cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Mezcala,Medium: Stone. Along the region of the Rio Mezcala in the central portion of the Mexican state of Guerrero, an ancient culture evolved which created highly expressive and powerful stone ritual objects such as this stunning anthropomorphic axe. Possibly springing from the same roots as the famous Olmec culture, the people of Mezcala imbued these Celts, axes used for hafting, with both magical and spiritual symbolism. The original form and meaning of the Celt can still be seen, however, in the roughened surface on the top of the head of the figure, which looks as if it were made to be the receiving and of a chisel. The talented Mezcala artists who created these dynamic ritual Celts developed a powerful, expressive style of abstraction remarkably close to that of many modern artists. In stone carving such as this, a few deftly chiseled lines and shapes produce an abstracted human figure that clearly expresses all the powerful and essential elements of its being. A haunting face stares out at us, its wide-eyed gaze quite spirited and expressive. Although the Ancient Mezcala people themselves remain an enigmatic mystery, they reach out and share with us, through their extraordinary works of art, the timeless and Universal mystery and beauty of life.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico