Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 1150 to 500 BCE. An exquisite, finely carved, miniature, pale blue-green jade were-jaguar figurine, most unusual because it can assume three different poses: crawling like a baby, sitting, or standing. In addition, the figure possesses hallmark Olmec features including an elongated head (scholars have proposed that misshapen heads are indicative of the artificial cranial deformation practiced by the Olmec), a jowly "babyface" visage with a downturned open jaguar-like mouth, narrow almond-shaped eyes, and pierced ears for suspending earrings or ornaments. Accompanying this figure is a round jade bead of similar coloration. Size: 2.125" H (5.4 cm)

Beyond its carefully delineated features and rare multi-positional form is the inherently beautiful jade, boasting stunning light blue-green and white hues. An exemplar of Olmec sculpture, impressive for its technique, iconography, and well as the inherent beauty of the jade. A superb sculptural work from the Olmec, indeed the first Mesoamerican civilization that most regard as the forerunner of subsequent ancient American cultures such as the Maya and Aztecs!

Provenance: private R.D. collection, Long Beach, California, USA collection, acquired over 25 years from various major galleries

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#124352

Both are in overall excellent condition. Nice remains of red cinnabar in the crevices of the figure. Natural veining in the stone. Rod shown in photo not included.