Mezcala Stone Figure, Type M10, Late Preclassic, circa 300 - 100 BC

Acquired by 1971 (listed as no. 79 in the September 10, 1973 appraisal of the collection)

A large and fine example of the M10 style, this figure embodies the elements of abstraction and subtle human characteristics which continue to give Mezcala figures such allure to collectors. As Carlo Gay notes, "[...] the M-10 type represents the cardinal image of the tradition - an image whose basic elements influenced [...] subsequent types." (Carlo Gay and Frances Pratt, Mezcala: Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero, Mexico, Geneva, 1992, p. 51).

This figure's stout abdomen is marked by the diagonal grooves accenting the arms, an early form of a submissive posture of arms folded to the chest. The prominent head is as wide as the torso and slightly uplifted. Broad recesses mark the mouth and the eyes with a sharp browline shadowing the eyes. This figure is carved in the gray-green andesite that was most popularly used.