Lot 138
Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico, La Venta, Olmec culture, Middle Formative Period to Intermediate Period, ca. 900 to 600 BCE. An interesting anthropomorphic amulet depicting a standing hunchbacked dwarf that is hand-carved from mottled forest-green and sage-hued jadeite. The petite figure stands atop attenuated legs with knobby knees, holds both arms out and along the sides of the chest, and has a deeply incised groove delineating the neckline. The hunch rises almost as if the figure were carrying a load on its back and is itself nearly as large as the figure's head. The minimalist visage bears string-cut eyes and lips, a triangular nose, rounded cheeks, and a slightly protruding forehead. A vertical suspension hole is biconically drilled through the figure's back and down through the feet so it could be displayed as a pendant. Size: 0.82" W x 1.51" H (2.1 cm x 3.8 cm)
While difficult to completely understand their belief system given that the Olmec were pre-literate, scholars theorize that their famous monumental stone heads, which can weigh up to forty tons, may have been erected to honor ancestors or rulers. The smaller jade, jadeite, and greenstone figures and amulets like this example are thought to represent totems or divinities. The artistry and technique of Olmec sculptural works is remarkable given what little technology that was available to them as well as the dearth of earlier works to reference for inspiration.
Provenance: ex-private Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA collection; ex-B.G. Malone collection, Texas, USA, acquired in Mexico from 1963-1969 and brought into the US prior to 1970
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#174143
- Condition: Minor abrasions and areas of pitting, with light softening to some finer details, and earthen deposits within some recessed areas, otherwise intact and excellent. Great surface smoothness and preservation to overall form.
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