Large Pre-Columbian Chontal stone figure

A large Pre-Columbian Chontal figure carved from serpentine, a dark green stone with natural white and gray inclusions that create a marbled appearance. This figure, originating from the Chontal region of Guerrero, Mexico, dates to the Middle to Late Preclassic period (circa 600-200 BCE). The Chontal people are known for their unique stone carvings that blend Olmec and other Mesoamerican influences, characterized by their abstract, geometric style.

The figure is prominently sized, indicating its importance, and is depicted in a standing position with a highly stylized and abstract form. The body is broad and robust, with a distinct blocky appearance. The head is disproportionately large, featuring deep incisions for the eyes, which are rendered as simple horizontal slits, and the mouth, carved as three parallel horizontal lines, giving it a mask-like and enigmatic expression. The minimalistic features highlight the geometric and symbolic aesthetics typical of Chontal artistry.

The figure’s arms are suggested by slight protrusions at the sides, and the torso and legs are carved with angular lines that emphasize the figure’s powerful presence. The legs are carved apart with a deep groove between them, enhancing the figure’s sense of weight and stability. The surface of the stone is polished to a smooth finish, revealing the rich green hues and natural variegations of the serpentine, which was highly valued for its associations with fertility, earth, and water.

The size and craftsmanship of the figure suggest it may have had significant ceremonial or ritual use, potentially serving as a guardian figure, an ancestral representation, or a deity. Large stone figures like this would have been placed in prominent locations, such as temples or burial sites, to convey spiritual power and authority. 11 1/4" in height. Ex. B.G. Malone collection, Texas, 1966.