Peg-Base Stone Figure, 1000 CE - 1500 CE
Stone
23.5
PF.2893
Highly stylized stone figures made in the Disquis region bear a strong resemblance to South American art. Though essentially anthropomorphic, the predominantly geometric nature of this sculpture suggests an architectural...
Highly stylized stone figures made in the Disquis region bear a strong resemblance to South American art. Though essentially anthropomorphic, the predominantly geometric nature of this sculpture suggests an architectural element, and may well have been originally used as part of a building's ornamentation. This would explain the pointed end rounded in such a way as to slip easily into a groove. The V-shape is derived from broad, straight shoulders, arms and legs sloping at an angle with slight indentation to delineate the upper arms and wrists. The depiction of fingers and feet using a series of vertical rectangles in relief is effective and quite ingenious-- as is the genitals done in pure geometric form of lovely simplicity. The man's eyes and mouth are open wide, (suggesting a trance state), with the nose flat and very thick. The divisions between legs and arms are created by simple elongated oval holes, which works to keep the composition unified and contained. The overall effect is one of striking simplicity and understated power, an abstract work of art with considerable presence.