Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. A striking pair of naturalistically rendered ear effigies carved from a greenstone with shimmering mica inclusions. The cartilaginous structures are incised and polished to soft and rounded forms, the lobes are pierced perhaps for additional ornaments or attachment, however - if used as pendants they would hang upside down due to their weight. Carved body parts may have been symbolic trophies or prestige burial goods; however ears are exceedingly rare and their function is not fully known. Size: 2.75" L x 2" W (7 cm x 5.1 cm)

The value of green stones for ancient Mesoamericans lay in its symbolic power: its color was associated with water and vegetation, and the renewal of the agricultural cycle. It was also believed to be the embodiment of the wind and the "breath." Ear flares and ornaments made from precious jade and greenstones, such as this, symbolized the power of the wearer - Later, we know that the Maya thought ear ornaments could be used as conduits for the spiritual energy that they believe flowed through the ears - so perhaps the Olmec, the Maya's predecessors, held similar beliefs, these ears conveying a supernatural ability to hear spirits or commune with deities.

For similar examples of ear effigies, please refer to the book "The Olmec World: Ritual and Rulership" by Michael D. Coe, published by Princeton University Art Museum 1995, page 256, figures 160 and 161.

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#173354

Left ear is repaired, nearly invisible break line radiating from lower corner, across drilled hole to ear canal groove. Other ear is intact. Stunning coloration and rare types!