Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz, Olmec, ca. 1150 to 550 BCE. A wonderful buff earthenware head with skillfully modeled and carved features, faint traces of creamy pigment on the face, and deep grey/black pigment on the coiffure and hair ornaments. Note that the vent hole on the back of the head is in the form of a Kan Cross which was a symbol of the four cardinal directions that denoted the center as the axis mundi. Interestingly, this feature was also found on similar heads found at the Olmec site of San Lorenzo in Veracruz. A finely-modeled Olmec baby head with a remarkably expressive visage presenting characteristic traits including narrow almond-shaped eyes with delineated pupils, a naturalistic nose, and were-jaguar lips surrounding a gaping mouth - all upon an elongated head indicative of ritualistic cranial deformation and topped by a lobed coiffure that is further adorned with applied ornaments. Size: 4.25" H (10.8 cm); 5.375" H (13.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-old private New England collection, acquired in the 1970s; ex private Illinois, USA collection, since the 1970s

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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.

#162458

A fragment from a larger Olmec baby figure. Two small impressed areas on head possibly tool marks or intentional decorative marks. Break lines are old with deposits extending to them. Ample mineral and earthen deposits.