Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec culture, ca. 1150 to 550 BCE. A dark green stone figure of a person kneeling, leaning forward, hands raised to the chest as if holding an offering. The face has wide eyes, a long nose, and an open mouth. The head is elongated, perhaps in reference to the practice of skull-shaping that was common in ancient Mesoamerica; the top and back of the head is smooth. Comes with custom stand. Size: 1.7" L x 1.2" W x 2.65" H (4.3 cm x 3 cm x 6.7 cm); height on stand: 3.1" (7.9 cm).

The piece was made by string cutting, drilling, and using sandstone as an abrasive. Green stones seem to have been associated with water, vegetation, and young corn, the staple food of Olmec life. Based on burial practices, particularly the objects from important burials at La Venta in the present day Mexican state of Tabasco, we believe that green stone was reserved for high nobility, royalty, and the gods.

Provenance: Ex- Collection of the Late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, CA

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#121071

Surface wear but features and form are very clear.