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Mezcala

Standing figure

Mezcala, 300-100

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Mezcala

Standing figure

Mezcala, 300-100

Physical Qualities Greenstone, 5 × 2 15/16 × 1 9/16 in. (12.7 × 7.4 × 4 cm.)
Credit Line Anonymous Gift
Object Number 1999.597
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, musical instruments, miniaturized animals, reptiles, and birds. Mezcala stone sculpture is recognizable for its emphasis on volume which was manipulated with minimal carving details. Sculptors carved just enough of the cobble, celt, or pebble to animate and enhance its stoniness. Such minimalism inspired the likes of Diego Rivera, Miguel Covarrubias, and notably Milton Loef who amassed a large collection.
Helene LeLoup, Paris
Gay, Carlo, and Frances Pratt
1992. Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero, Mexico. Balsas Publications, New York.

Culture

Mezcala

2000–2000

Meet Mezcala

Explore the Collection Further

Mezcala
Miniature temple
500–200
Mezcala
Standing Figure
500–200
Mezcala
Seated Figure
500–200
Chontal and Mezcala
Head
300–100