Two Faces Carved into Garnet really Old
Description

This is what I know. My grandfathers father acquired this in exchange for some booze and a Donkey when he was a teenager from a white guy. My Grandpa was born and raised in Mexico and came to the United States later in life. I know its more than 100 years old because its been in our family that long. Is this something you can help with? Its 2 faces carved into a huge what looks like a Garnet rock. I'm assuming its from South America. My great grandpa was in Mexico I think when he got it.

Dimensions

12x12x12x approx 40 lbs

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within 3 days
By David U.
Jul 21, 19:46 UTC
Fair Market Value
$200 - $600 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hello, this item is a carved stone sculpture measuring approximately 12 x 12 x 12 inches and weighing around 40 lbs. The object appears to be a dense metamorphic stone, although unlikely to be garnet, which rarely appears in such large, sculptable form, possibly basalt or rhyolite. The surface bears two simplified facial motifs carved in relief, with oval eyes and broad lines, suggesting a symbolic or stylized aesthetic more than a naturalistic one. The rough toolwork and patination suggest some age, but no clear evidence of pre-Columbian manufacture is visible from the images alone. The story of acquisition, while colorful, is anecdotal and cannot be used to substantiate age or origin without further material or archaeological analysis.

While the form might initially evoke Mesoamerican or South American tribal motifs, the lack of formal iconography or stylistic markers from known cultures (such as Olmec, Teotihuacan, or Inca) makes attribution speculative. If genuinely pre-Hispanic, such pieces must be assessed through mineralogical analysis and comparison with documented artifacts. However, given its stylized simplicity, uneven carving, and absence of context, it is equally plausible that this is a 20th-century folk or outsider art object made for decorative or symbolic use. In its current state, and without definitive provenance or authentication, its market value lies more in the realm of folk art or unique collectibles, with an estimated value between $200 and $600 USD.

Do you have a similar item and want to know how much it’s worth?

Communicate directly with a qualified specialist and get a fair market valuation of your item, typically in 48 hours or less.

Similar item appraisals

23 Aug, 2025
I believe it’s a ...
Decorative Collectibles
Estimate: No appraisals
18 Aug, 2025
Швейная машина SI...
Decorative Collectibles
Estimate: No appraisals
16 Aug, 2025
Hallmark 1996 Mer...
Decorative Collectibles
Estimate: No appraisals
14 Aug, 2025
Jack Point, Royal...
Decorative Collectibles
Estimate: $300 - $500
12 Aug, 2025
Por elian bust of...
Decorative Collectibles
Estimate: No appraisals
11 Aug, 2025
12 piece carved ...
Decorative Collectibles
Estimate: No appraisals
11 Aug, 2025
Hummel figurine "...
Decorative Collectibles
Estimate: $60 - $90
10 Aug, 2025
Hummel figurine "...
Decorative Collectibles
Estimate: No appraisals
10 Aug, 2025
Matching large an...
Decorative Collectibles
Estimate: No appraisals