Figure c. 300

This small, jade sculpture of a human figure, created by the Mezcala culture around 300 CE, is a fascinating example of ancient Mesoamerican art. The minimalist carving, with its simplified features and lack of detail, is characteristic of Mezcala sculptures, which were often used in rituals and ceremonies. The sculpture's smooth, green surface, punctuated by white flecks, evokes the natural world, suggesting a connection between the human form and the environment. The piece is currently housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art.