Mezcala Stone Figure. German Export License - 11.4 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,700 - € 2,000
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Mezcala stone figure from West Mexico, dating ca. 500 BC–AD 250, carved in greenish-grey stone with a stylised anthropomorphic form, height 11.4 cm, original/official with fair condition, provenance from a German private collection, acquired at auction in 2026 with a German export certificate.
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Description from the seller
Mezcala Stone Figure – West Mexico, ca. 500 BC – AD 250
A finely carved Mezcala anthropomorphic figure from West Mexico, dating to approximately 500 BC–AD 250. Executed in greenish-grey stone, the sculpture displays the highly stylized and abstract aesthetic for which the Mezcala tradition is renowned. The simplified human form is defined by subtle recessed details indicating the eyes, mouth, and arms.
Mezcala sculpture is celebrated for its remarkable geometric abstraction and understated elegance. The simplified treatment of the human figure reflects a distinctive artistic tradition that flourished in western Mexico during the Preclassic and Early Classic periods, with examples believed to have served ritual and funerary purposes.
The figure is in very good overall condition, with only a small chip to the head consistent with its age.
Provenance: Ex German private collection (1962–1963).
Attached export certificate from Germany.
The Supplier warrants that he obtained this lot legally. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Important: For destinations out of Spanish territory: all our objects will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks.
Mezcala Stone Figure – West Mexico, ca. 500 BC – AD 250
A finely carved Mezcala anthropomorphic figure from West Mexico, dating to approximately 500 BC–AD 250. Executed in greenish-grey stone, the sculpture displays the highly stylized and abstract aesthetic for which the Mezcala tradition is renowned. The simplified human form is defined by subtle recessed details indicating the eyes, mouth, and arms.
Mezcala sculpture is celebrated for its remarkable geometric abstraction and understated elegance. The simplified treatment of the human figure reflects a distinctive artistic tradition that flourished in western Mexico during the Preclassic and Early Classic periods, with examples believed to have served ritual and funerary purposes.
The figure is in very good overall condition, with only a small chip to the head consistent with its age.
Provenance: Ex German private collection (1962–1963).
Attached export certificate from Germany.
The Supplier warrants that he obtained this lot legally. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Important: For destinations out of Spanish territory: all our objects will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks.
Details
Culture
Mezcala
Century/timeframe
500 BC – AD 250
Name of object
Figure. German Export License
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Stone
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
11.4 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1962
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
