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Mezcala-style seated figure
Mezcala
Late Formative to Early Classic periods
400 BC–A.D 300
Object Place: Guerrero, Mexico
Medium/Technique
Black diorite
Dimensions
7.3 x 4.3 x 4.7 cm (2 7/8 x 1 11/16 x 1 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Landon T. Clay
Accession Number1974.601
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFigurines
DescriptionAbstract rendering of a seated human figure. Arms are bent at the elbows and hands rest on top of the bent knees. This unique art style, which was made by the unknown culture named Mezcala after the main town in northwestern Guerrero where many such artworks have been found, emphasizes geometric abstraction to represent the human figure. The very high polish and cleanly carved lines indicate a high level of craftsmanship and technical expertise.
ProvenanceBy 1974, sold by Teochita, Inc., New York, to Landon T. Clay, Boston; 1974, year-end gift of Landon T. Clay to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 8, 1975)