Pre-Columbian Chontal/Teotihuacan green stone figure

The Pre-Columbian Chontal green stone figure dates back to approximately 300–900 CE, during the period of early Teotihuacán influence on the Chontal culture in Guerrero, Mexico. This piece exemplifies the artistic exchange between these two civilizations, as the Chontal, known for their stone carvings, incorporated stylistic and religious elements from Teotihuacán, one of the most influential Mesoamerican cities. The figure is carved from a mottled green stone, possibly serpentine or a related mineral, which was highly valued for its symbolic connection to water, fertility, and the supernatural. Its rigid posture, broad shoulders, and schematic facial features reflect the aesthetic principles common in both Chontal and Teotihuacán representations of deities, ancestors, or ritual figures.

The facial expression, with its straight mouth and deeply incised eyes, suggests a ceremonial or funerary purpose, possibly serving as a guardian figure or an object of veneration. The horizontal facial markings, which appear carved rather than painted, are a distinctive trait in both cultures and may symbolize ritual scarification, divine status, or rank within society. The figure's weathered surface indicates long-term exposure, likely due to ritual use, burial, or environmental conditions over centuries. Its presence in Guerrero underscores the extent of Teotihuacán's influence, as it reached well beyond the Valley of Mexico, shaping regional artistic and spiritual traditions. This sculpture stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of both civilizations and their interconnected cultural developments. 6 1/2" in height. Custom display stand.

Ex. Private Texas collection; Ex Ron Normandeau, CA. Bermudez-Meza family, AZ; Federico Bermudez, Houston, TX. Exhibited and published in Echoes of Eternity: Mastery of Ancient Mesoamerican Art by the University of Texas Permian Basin.