We are accustomed to recognizing the Mezcala tradition in anthropomorphic figures, but there are some other representations which formed part of the same carving tradition that show similar technical and stylistic solutions. Such as in the case of representations of fauna, like: monkeys, frogs, rabbits and snakes.
In all these figures we find the schematic solution and the tendency for strong abstraction. Perhaps the frog is the shape that depicts a stronger resemblance with the resources used in antropomorphic pieces. It is symmetrical and its limbs and head produce a sort of wear grooves that ocassionally cut the small stone block from side to side and, in other cases, only leave lines that create volume and define the shape.
Everything indicates that the stone representations of these animals formed a part of Mezcala grave goods, much in the same way as the Western shaft tombs, in which the presence of human figures was combined with that of animals. Such animals would have accompanied the deceased in both cases. What we have not been able to determine is the specific symbolism of each one that would justify their presence in the tomb. Frogs emerge or perforate, in both cases, transiting among the humid interior of the soil and its exterior.
This piece presents a perforation, which indicates it was used as a pendant, it may have been part of the ornaments or dowry of a noble character and, later on, it was buried with him.
We are accustomed to recognizing the Mezcala tradition in anthropomorphic figures, but there are some other representations which formed part of the same carving tradition that show similar technical and stylistic solutions. Such as in the case of representations of fauna, like: monkeys, frogs, rabbits and snakes.
