Preclassic Crouching Hunchback Figure and Guerrero Figure

For the Preclassic Hunchback Figure:

Roberto Ardon, Los Angeles

André Emmerich, New York (inv. no. OM46), acquired from the above in December, 1968

William B. Jaffe and Evelyn Annenberg Jaffe Hall, New York, acquired from the above on January 4, 1969

Thence by descent to the present owner

For the Guerrero Figure:

John J. Klejman, New York

William B. Jaffe and Evelyn Annenberg Jaffe Hall, New York, acquired from the above on November 22, 1967

Thence by descent to the present owner

The small portable figures show a blend of Preclassic traits that occurred across the ancient Mesoamerican region. A hunchback person was believed to have otherworldly powers, and was well represented in various forms. Here, the cobble shape and color variation emphasize the tightly crouching figure with hands clasped on the knees. He is adorned with a large ear ornament and waistband. 

The white stone figure sits on a small stool, the large hands and triangular eye area dominate the figure, which bears a bird-like serrated crest along the head. It is perforated through the neck for suspension. 

For similar hunchback figures from the Honduran region of El Cajón, see Kenneth G. Hirth, Susan Hirth, George Hasemann, and Gloria Lara-Pinto, The Pre-Columbian Lapidary Art of Salitrón Viejo, Honduras. Department of Anthropology, Penn State University, Occasional Papers in Anthropology, No. 35, 2023, pp. 44-50.