Mezcala
Mask
Mezcala, 300-100
Scroll
Mezcala
Mask
Mezcala, 300-100
Physical Qualities
Brown stone, 5 7/8 × 4 3/4 in. (15 × 12 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of John and Marisol Stokes, Upper Nyack, New York
Object Number
2005.124
Mezcala refers to the style and tradition of stone sculpture produced in Formative Period (1200 B.C. - A.D. 200) Guerrero, Mexico. The Mezcala tradition includes a disparate range of forms that include standing and seated figures, masks and face panels, temple facade models, and musical instruments. Mezcala stone sculpture is recognizable for its emphasis on volume which was manipulated with minimal carving details.
Masks or face panels occur infrequently in the Mezcala sculptural repertoire. Fewer still are those with holes drilled for eyes. Most range in the size of six inches and are drilled with suspension holes, suggesting the masks were attached to mummy bundles rather than worn on the face.
Information supplied by donor places this object in the Spratling Collection prior to its 11/30/59 sale at Galeria Kamffer, Mexico, D.F. and NYC.
