Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 1000 BCE. An exemplary Olmec figure, finely carved from a rich greenstone of mottled hues of midnight green, viridian, and black with natural inclusions in shades of cream and caramel. Depicted crouching in fetal position with legs together, the ancient figure presents bent legs, of which we can only see the shins, flat feet with delineated toes, a thick torso, and attenuated arms bent at the elbows. Both hands grasp his sizeable head as he gazes forward with an intense, trance-like expression displaying ovoid eyes with incised pupils below a straight brow, a projecting nose, and a wide mouth held agape. The figure's elongated head was a sign of high status most likely due to an artificial cranial deformation, as the Olmec traditionally wore tight-fitting helmets. Size: 1" W x 2.1" H (2.5 cm x 5.3 cm); 3.2" H (8.1 cm) on included custom stand.

To the Olmecs, statuettes like this example carried many meanings, not all of which are obvious to us today. Scholars surmise that some of their meaning is derived from their green color, which was associated with vibrant growth, renewal, and - given the cyclical conception of life and death - rejuvenation after death. A breathtaking work of art, replete with strong technique, intriguing symbolism, and an inherently beautiful greenstone.

Provenance: private Atlanta, Georgia, USA collection, purchased in 1989; ex-Gary Coleman collection, purchased in 1972; ex-Kenneth Klassen collection

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168803

A few miniscule nicks to head and legs. Remains of adhesive material from display on bottom of feet. Otherwise, intact and excellent with smoothly carved surfaces, nice remaining detail, and light earthen deposits in recessed areas.