The ancient people of Mezcala, a region in the central portion of the Mexican state of Guerrero, developed a unique and distinctive art style. 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. As evidenced in this striking jade pendant, carved in the form of a male head, the highly stylized and abstract form of rendering resulted in a powerful image, one that instantly evokes spiritual magnetism and energy. The skilled abstraction of form highlights and accentuates only the essence of the object, a characteristic reminiscent of Ancient Cycladic art of 4000 years ago as well as early twentieth century cubist and abstract art. To behold this extraordinary stone carving is to experience a remarkable work of art whose timeless spirit reaches far into the deep levels of our own modern sensibilities, touching a chord that is at once contemporary and primitive.