Pre-Columbian Chontal Stone Figure

Pre-Columbian Chontal stone figure from Mexico, dating to the Early Phase, approximately 300-100 BCE. Carved from a single piece of stone, this figure exhibits the characteristic minimalistic and abstract features associated with Chontal craftsmanship, which was closely linked to the Mezcala culture. The figure's form is defined by simple, geometric contours with a rounded head, faint facial features, and a rigid, columnar body. The surface shows signs of weathering, indicative of its ancient origin and long exposure to natural elements.

The Chontal culture, located in the Guerrero region of Mexico, is known for its distinctive stone figures that likely had ritualistic or funerary significance. These sculptures, often resembling standing human forms, are thought to have been used as spiritual effigies or grave markers. The craftsmanship of this piece suggests it may have been shaped using early stone-carving techniques, including pecking and grinding. The abstract nature of the figure aligns with the artistic conventions of Mezcala-Chontal traditions, which favored simplified forms over intricate detailing, emphasizing spiritual symbolism over realism. See Chontal by Carlo Gay, page 31, picture C for a similar example. 7 5/8". Ex. Barney G. Malone Collection, TX. 1970