Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 2482
Pre-Columbian Mezcala Stone Idol
CIRCA 300-100 B.C.
6 in (202 grams, 15.2 cm).
An anthropomorphic figure carved from mottled grey stone, characteristically abstract and minimalistic; the neckline, arms, and legs all delineated by the meticulous string-cutting technique, with semi-smooth texture; type group M 1 according to Gay & Pratt (Mezcala, NY 1992),. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Acquired mid 1960s-mid 1990s.
From the collection of George and Julianne Alderman, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK.
Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Literature
Cf. Carlo Gay and Frances Pratt, Mezcala, Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero, Mexico, 1992, pls. 246-248.
Footnotes
The Mezcala culture, from the mountainous region of Guerrero in modern-day Mexico, is famous for its prolific production of stone sculpture, which includes human figures, animal effigies and architectural models. Little is known about this ancient civilisation, other than that it chose to bury its dead with these abstract, esoteric stone carvings, and that it was the only one of the Mesoamerican civilizations to have been so focused on architecture.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Pre-Columbian Terracotta Colima Drum Player
100 B.C.-250 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Modelled in the round as a seated male playing a drum, wearing a pointed cap, ear plugs and a necklace, sitting with both hands resting on the edge of the drum. 346 grams, 14.6 cm
From a USA private collection. Ex Dr David Harner collection, Arkansas, 1950s-1960s. Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Hand modelled early Colima figures are famed for their variety and insight into how the Colima lived thousands of years ago. Figures were hand modelled and show both men and women partaking in daily activities in addition to the shaman and dancers engaged in religious ceremonies. -
Pre-Columbian Terracotta Colima Standing Female
100 B.C.-250 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
In pale yellow-orange terracotta, female standing with one arm wrapped around her waist, the other holding an object, probably a baby; with distinctive facial features, wearing a cap and with large ear plugs, with applied pellet decoration on her right shoulder, to the reverse a long pigtail hanging down. 132 grams, 16.5 cm
From a USA private collection. Ex Dr David Harner collection, Arkansas, 1950s-1960s. Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Hand modelled early Colima figures are famed for their variety and insight into how the Colima lived thousands of years ago. Figures were hand modelled and show both men and women partaking in daily activities in addition to the shaman and dancers engaged in religious ceremonies. -
Pre-Columbian Mezcala Stone Idol
Circa 300-100 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
An anthropomorphic figure carved from mottled grey stone, characteristically abstract and minimalistic; the neckline, arms, and legs all delineated by the meticulous string-cutting technique, with semi-smooth texture; type group M 1 according to Gay & Pratt (Mezcala, NY 1992),. 202 grams, 15.2 cm
Acquired mid 1960s-mid 1990s. From the collection of George and Julianne Alderman, Baltimore, MD, USA. Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The Mezcala culture, from the mountainous region of Guerrero in modern-day Mexico, is famous for its prolific production of stone sculpture, which includes human figures, animal effigies and architectural models. Little is known about this ancient civilisation, other than that it chose to bury its dead with these abstract, esoteric stone carvings, and that it was the only one of the Mesoamerican civilizations to have been so focused on architecture.
