Mezcala Stone Idol

The people of Ancient Mezcala, a region in the central portion of the Mexican state of Guerrero, developed a unique art style based on the cult of the votive Celt, an axe used for hafting. Although the Mezcala culture probably sprang from the same roots as the ancient Olmec, their relative isolation in the mountain valleys resulted in a stone-centered artistic culture, which developed and flourished independent of neighboring influences.

The abstract and minimalist features of this stone is a distinguishing feature of Mezcala art. Stone carvings such as this one would have been buried with the deceased, usually as a gesture to provide support to those in the afterlife. Since their excavation they have been revered as sacred objects. Moreover, the skilled abstraction of form, which highlights and accentuates only the essence of the object is reminiscent of ancient Cycladic art of 4000 years ago as well as early 20th century art, and in fact served to inspire these early Cubist and abstract artists.