- 34
Large Chontal Stone Figure, Guerrero region Late Preclassic, ca. 300-100 B.C.
Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- stone
- Height: 24 in (61 cm)
the hieratic figure in a reverent posture with the long slender arms crossed over the chest and hands outspread on the shoulders, legs slightly bent, the elongated head with prominent brows and nose, sunken eyes and open mouth, the cheekbones rounded, and wearing a cache-sex secured around the waist, and adorned with disk earrings; in schistic serpentine.
Provenance
New York private collection, acquired by the mid-1980's
Acquired by the present owner in 1992
Acquired by the present owner in 1992
Condition
Overall excellent condition; has not been overcleaned, fairly extensive original encrustation overall; small fill to chipped area of top PR top corner of head.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
This is one of the largest Chontal figures from Guerrero, a region known for the early lithic tradition which produced some of the most enigmatic and stylized figures of Pre-Columbian Mexico. Chontal figures, similar to their Mezcala counterparts, evolved from a basic river cobble forged into a axe-like tool, eventually carved into human figures with varying abstract and naturalistic features. Gay describes the empowerment of the human form as a ritualized celt. Whereas Mezcala figures often maintain the roughened top of the head, Chontal figures are usually finished and smooth.
The Late Chontal phase shows this distinct crossed arm position, perhaps indicating a resting posture for the afterlife, or a submissive or reverential gesture. This commanding figure has an engaging and alert expression with open-eyes; the most closely related Chontal figures have eyes closed; see Gay and Gay (2001: Pls. 25-37).
The Late Chontal phase shows this distinct crossed arm position, perhaps indicating a resting posture for the afterlife, or a submissive or reverential gesture. This commanding figure has an engaging and alert expression with open-eyes; the most closely related Chontal figures have eyes closed; see Gay and Gay (2001: Pls. 25-37).