Mezcala Stone Standing Figure - PF.5291,Origin: Guerrero, Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 10.5" (26.7cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Mezcala,Medium: Stone. An unusually pointed, conical head characterizes this figure. The indentations of the eyes, as horizontal ellipses, are placed very high on the head. A similar shape elliptical forms the mouth; with two deep slashes in a V-shape on either side, whose apex meets at the bridge of the nose stretching down just below the jaw line. This acute angle is repeated for the arms, which creates a pleasing contrast with the basic verticality of the figure. The legs are quite short in comparison with the body and are prong- shaped, as if intended to be stuck into the ground, or into holes designed for the purpose. When turned upside down, the standing figure becomes the face of a jaguar, perhaps symbolizing the powers of shaman to transform into wild creatures. The geometric style of the figure recalls the statues on Easter Island; and both may have had a similar purpose in depicting the human being as a god and the gods in human form.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico