Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. An Olmec standing figure, finely carved from greenstone and rendered in a quintessential Olmec manner, his visage presenting a downturned jaguar mouth, ovoid eyes, arching brows, naturalistic nose, jowly cheeks, and long tab-like ears that were biconically drilled for the suspension of ornaments, all upon a characteristically elongated, oversized head, a sign of high status most likely due to artificial cranial deformation. His body presents a short, stocky build with rounded shoulders and outstretched arms. To the Olmecs, statuettes like this example carried many meanings, not all of which are obvious to us today; however, scholars surmise that the color green was associated with vibrant growth, renewal, and given the cyclical conception of life and death, rejuvenation after death. A fabulous example, replete with strong technique, intriguing symbolism, and an inherently beautiful green stone. Size: 2.875" H (7.3 cm)

Provenance: private Pasadena, California, USA collection

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#141291

  • Condition: Body repaired from two large pieces with radiating stable cracks. Chip to back of right leg. Chips and stabilized fissure to the head. A mesmerizing example with strong details.

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March 7, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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