Vintage D'Argenta Mexico Mayan King Pakal Pacal Silvered Metal Bust Sculpture
Made in Mexico c.1970s.
Sculpture Approximately 11 1/2” High x 7” Wide x 6” Deep
Overall With Base Approximately 17” High x 6 3/4” Wide x 6 3/4” Deep
Weight Approximately 12 lbs.
A striking vintage Mexican sculpture associated with D’Argenta Internacional, S.A. of Mexico, depicting K’inich Janaab’ Pakal, also known as Pakal or Pacal the Great, the celebrated 7th-century ruler of the Maya city-state of Palenque.
The Pakal head is an important design in D’Argenta’s history. The firm, founded in Mexico in 1976, is known for sculptural decorative objects with highly polished precious-metal finishes and contrasting modeled surfaces. D’Argenta identifies the Pakal head among its signature designs, and documented vintage examples share the distinctive polished face, elaborate headdress, heavily textured dark-patinated reverse, approximately 17-inch overall scale, and pedestal presentation seen on this example.
This sculpture features a highly reflective silver-tone face contrasted with deeply modeled, dark-patinated areas and an elaborate geometric headdress. The reverse is intentionally rugged and sculptural, with reddish-brown, bronze and copper-toned patination creating a dramatic contrast with the polished face. It is mounted on a substantial tall stepped black-finished wood pedestal. The underside confirms the wood construction and retains the central mounting hardware securing the sculpture/pedestal assembly.
Historical Note: Pakal the Great (603–683 AD) ruled Palenque for approximately 68 years and presided over one of the city’s greatest periods of architectural and artistic development. His royal portraiture and elaborate headdress imagery remain among the most recognizable visual symbols of Classic Maya culture. D’Argenta’s interpretation of Pakal became one of the Mexican firm’s recognizable sculptural subjects.
Excellent vintage condition overall. The sculptural surface retains the dramatic contrast between the highly polished face and deeply textured, dark-patinated areas. Expected age-related surface wear and variation are present. The black-finished wood pedestal shows scattered scuffs, scratches, small areas of finish loss and edge wear consistent with age and display. The underside shows felt pads, remnants/adhesive from previous pads or labels, and visible central mounting hardware. Please review all photographs closely as they form an important part of the condition description.
