Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec culture, ca. 1150 to 550 BCE. A finely carved, near miniature, greenstone were-jaguar figurine, in a rather unusual seated pose as opposed to the more common rigid, standing pose, with skillfully delineated limbs, fingers, and toes. This fellow's face presents hallmark Olmec features including an elongated head, a jowly "babyface" visage with a downturned open jaguar-like mouth, almond-shaped eyes, and a caplike coiffure. In addition to the expertly rendered form, the inherent beauty of the stone with nice remains of original red cinnabar in the recesses is captivating. Custom stand Size: 1.5" W x 3.25" H (3.8 cm x 8.3 cm); 4.125" H (10.5 cm) on stand

Scholars have proposed that the flattened and elongated heads of these figures are indicative of the artificial cranial deformation practiced by the Olmec. An exemplar of Olmec sculpture, impressive for its technique, iconography, and well as the inherent beauty of the stone - from the first Mesoamerican civilization that most regard as the forerunner of subsequent ancient American cultures such as the Maya and Aztecs!

Provenance: private Moore collection, Denver, Colorado USA, acquired thirty years ago

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#122045

Tiny nick above one eye and on lower lip. Otherwise excellent.