Large Stone Mayan Hacha Head on Stand

Originates from: Veracruz, Mexico

Era: 550 - 800 AD

Dimensions: 10” H x 8” W x 4” D 

Brilliant Mayan Hacha, Veracruz, Mexico, circa 550 - 800 AD. A beautiful example of carved stone, depicting a male warrior facial silhouette with grimaced glare. Relief carved eye and teeth as well as carved silhouette, double sided with each side similarly carved. 

Hachas, getting their name from the word for axe, were ritual stone sculptures used in the Mayan ceremonial ball game, typically, in similar form to this example, with a notch in the upper portion for wearing on a belt, or in stone examples as this - displayed in arena as trophies or as aristocratic sceptres. These were also votive offerings placed in tombs of prominent elites. This is a beautiful and scarce example.

Provenance: Canadian Collection. Prior, Doyle Gallery, New York, October 13th, 1998 Sale.