233 - Anthropomorphic idol depicting a figure with geometric forms; the facial features are only roughly outlined; the bent arms are drawn across the abdomen; a notch separates the legs.

Anthropomorphic idol depicting a figure with geometric forms; the facial features are only roughly outlined; the bent arms are drawn across the abdomen; a notch separates the legs. Hard stone. Heavy surface calcification and an ancient chip on the right arm. Height: 36.2 cm. Mexico. State of Guerrero. Village of Mezcala. Late Preclassic period. 300–100 B.C. Type M 10 according to Carlo Gay’s classification. Provenance: Hauswedell & Nolte, Hamburg, Auction No. 216, October 29, 1976, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Africa, South Seas, lot No. 466. (illustrated) Private collection, Brussels Passed down through the family Discovered in the late 1940s and identified and classified by the artist Miguel Covarrubias, the minimalist and timeless sculptures from the Guerrero region of the so-called Mezcala culture are of rare artistic purity. This hyper-stylization left a lasting impression on researchers and artists in the mid-to-late 20th century. Visual parallels can easily be drawn with the works of other archaic cultures such as the Cyclades, the Nuraghe, and the Iberians. Here, in addition to the undeniable qualities of the sculpture, we must also recognize that its impressive dimensions make this a major work of art. The patina resulting from its millennia-long stay underground is a guarantee of undeniable authenticity.