Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Chontal, ca. 800 to 400 BCE. An impressive anthropomorphic figural sky watcher, hand-carved and string-cut from an inherently beautiful greenstone of rich verdant hues with marvelous natural striations resulting from the dark green/black and cream inclusions. With arms held to sides in a zigzag position, the figure stands on two feet and dramatically gazes upward towards the celestial realm. His visage presents finely delineated facial features, including two circular sunken depressions representing his wide-open perhaps "starstruck" eyes, a pronounced curved nose protruding from his face, a small closed mouth, cup-shaped ears, and a gently pointed chin. The smooth, subtly curved contours of his facial planes are quite characteristic of the Chontal and are a testament to the sculptor's ability to turn stone to 'flesh'. Overall, a Chontal stone figure of museum quality, so elegantly modeled with a characteristically angular, rigid body and contrasting life-imbued visage, replete with expert technique and impressive artistry. Custom, museum-quality stand. Size: 5.5" L x 2.5" W (14 cm x 6.4 cm); with stand ~ 6" H (15.2 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Peter Arnovick collection, San francisco, CA

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#117305

Intact with expected minor surface wear.