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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Mezcala Art : Mezcala Stone Idol
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Mezcala Stone Idol - PH.0272
Origin: Guerrero, Mexico
Circa: 300
BC
to 300
AD
Dimensions:
13.125" (33.3cm) high
x 4.75" (12.1cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian Art
Style: Mezcala
Location: United States
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| Description |
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The people of Ancient Mezcala, a region in the
central portion of the Mexican state of Guerrero,
developed a unique art style based on the cult of
the votive Celt, an axe used for hafting. Although
the Mezcala culture probably sprang from the
same roots as the ancient Olmec, their relative
isolation in the mountain valleys resulted in a
stone-centered artistic culture, which developed
and flourished independent of neighboring
influences.
The abstract and minimalist features of this
stone is a distinguishing feature of Mezcala art.
Stone carvings such as this one would have
been buried with the deceased, usually as a
gesture to provide support to those in the
afterlife. Since their excavation they have been
revered as sacred objects. Moreover, the skilled
abstraction of form, which highlights and
accentuates only the essence of the object is
reminiscent of ancient Cycladic art of 4000 years
ago as well as early 20th century art, and in fact
served to inspire these early Cubist and abstract
artists.
- (PH.0272)
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