Featured Figurine need help with stone type and culture

Hi, I am stumped again. I found this stone carving and took it too two shops that deal in rocks, minerals, crystals, etc. One was more of a new age type place but the owner seemed quite knowledgeable and the other was a long time shop that is a more traditional gem and rock shop. The first thought it was apatite and had no good guess as to the culture it might represent. The second said it was dyed stone with a glaze over it, though he wasn't sure what type of stone, and guessed African, but said he really had no clue. He also said that the carving and artistic aspect of they dye work indicated someone with artistic talent. I'm wondering if there any other thoughts. It stands 8" tall and weighs 2.8lbs. Thanks for any help, ideas or thoughts.

 

Possibly Chavin Blue stone "Sodalite" with Mayan theme.

 

Don't think that's Mayan. I'd look further south to Peru.

Debora

 

I'm with Holly, a Mayan theme and Chavín sodalite.
Although the name Chavín for the stone suggests Peru, the head and headdress are Maya inspired.

 

I am inspired to run for the hills!

Gorgeous creature, but scary!

 

I am corrected. Apologies for the false lead. (And an interesting object. I've never seen anything quite like it.)

Debora

 

It looks like it is (loosely) based on the stucco head of the Mayan ruler K'inich Jahahb' Pakal, found in the ruins of Palenque.



https://mayaruins.com/palenque/j2_2073.html

 

That is what I thought too. Very loosely though, with the feather headdress turned into a toucan.

 

Easier to carve.

 

I just luuv that blue stone...

 

Thanks everyone for the help and leads. I agree that it is a representation of K'inich Jahahb' Pakal. I also disagree that it is apatite or was dyed. It is too intricate to easily achieve the look of stone. Also Chavin sodalite is a good possibility and I keep coming back to lapis lazuli, assuming that isn't another name for sodalite. Though the carving isn't especially detailed, I do like way the facial expression was captured. I did find something very similar on a non auction sale site and they were asking 95 dollars for theirs but used very generic and general terms to describe it. Pretty sure they were as stumped as I was. Thanks again.

 

You're right, lapis lazuli and sodalite are different stones, although they can look similar.
Chavín sodalite often has those reddish lines and blotches which you see in photo #2.

 

An article on lapis vs sodalite:

https://www.gemstones.com/articles/gemstone-lapis-lazuli-vs-sodalite#:~:text=Lapis Lazuli is always opaque,a blotchy or mottled appearance.

 

I only see a pathway for the article, and text over text, not the article itself.

 

Sorry, some glitch in the link. I will see if I can find another route.

Lets see if this works:

https://www.gemstones.com/articles/gemstone-lapis-lazuli-vs-sodalite#

 

It does, thanks.