Pre-Columbian Mezcala stone figure

A Pre-Columbian Mezcala stone figure from the Guerrero region of Mexico, dating from the Late Preclassic to Early Classic period (circa 300 BCE - 300 CE). The figure is carved from a dark green to gray stone with natural white and light-colored inclusions, giving it a mottled appearance. This small, abstract sculpture is typical of the Mezcala culture, known for their minimalist stone carvings that combine geometric forms with stylized human representations.

The figure is depicted in a standing position, with a blocky, compact body and a simplified, abstract style. The head is rounded and smooth, with a subtle indentation that suggests a rudimentary facial feature, such as the eyes or nose. The body lacks detailed anatomical features but is shaped to suggest shoulders and arms, which are subtly indicated by incised lines running diagonally down from the head. The legs are conjoined, with a slight groove or separation at the base to define the feet, maintaining the geometric and austere style that characterizes Mezcala figures.

The surface of the stone is polished but retains a rough, uneven texture, indicative of the hand-carving techniques used by Mezcala artisans. The figure's simplicity and abstraction reflect a focus on the essential human form, rather than detailed realism, which is a hallmark of Mezcala sculpture. These figures were often used in ritual or funerary contexts, possibly serving as representations of ancestors, deities, or guardians, and were believed to hold spiritual or protective properties. 7 3/8" in height. Ex Barney G. Malone collection, TX, prior to 1970