Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero region, Chontal, ca. 800 to 300 BCE. A beautiful upright figure, skillfully carved from a mottled stone in hues of pistachio and wheat with black speckled inclusions. The figure shows very strong Olmec characteristics, but is clearly of Chontal origin from the Guerrero region of Mexico. The figure stands upon delineated legs, with both arms flush against the slender torso. The abstruse visage consists of almond eyes, a naturalistic nose, and a drilled mouth, with incised ears and a slightly-recessed brow line completing the anthropomorphic countenance. The neckline, arms, and legs are all defined through use of the meticulous string-cutting technique. A superb olmecoid example replete with expert artistry and fastidious attention to detail. Provenance : Auction House. Private collection, Nevada, USA and Paris, France.