Description
The Mezcala style takes its name from a river in its homeland, the Guerrero region of western Mexico. The style is known for small-scale sculptures characterized by sleek abstraction and often made of greenstone, one of the most precious materials that Mesoamerican artists worked. Unfortunately, little is known of the sculptures’ meanings and archaeological contexts.
Provenance
Benedict Crowell, Jr., Oaxaca, MX,1962, given to James C. and Florence C. Gruener (?-1962); James C. [1903-1990] and Florence C. [1908-1982] Gruener, Cleveland, OH, bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art (1962-1990); The Cleveland Museum of Art (1990)
Accession Number
1990.189
Medium
serpentine
Dimensions
Overall: 9.5 x 4.5 cm (3 3/4 x 1 3/4 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Gruener