Pre-Columbian, Chiapas, Mexico, ca. 1000 BCE. Finely carved from a stone of black and deep green hues, a depiction of a figure sitting upon a bench and holding a celt or torch before his broad chest. Such seated figures are relatively unusual as opposed to the more common rigid, standing figures. This fellow's face presents hallmark Olmec features including an elongated head, a jowly "babyface" visage with a downturned were-jaguar mouth, almond-shaped eyes, and a caplike coiffure. Scholars have argued that large-scaled benches thought to be altars or thrones created along the Olmec Gulf Coast, served as seats of power for reigning lords. Indeed bench figures such as this example are rare. This piece, though somewhat minimalist in its appearance as was customary for the Olmec, the attention to detail exhibited on this piece is exemplary. Notice the well executed relief facial features, not to mention the skillfully delineated junctures between figure and bench. In addition to the expertly rendered form, the inherent beauty of the stone is captivating. Size: 5.625" H (14.3 cm)

An accompanying old invoice provides a photo of the piece prior to restoration by Robert Stoetzer as well as the following statement by Howard Rose, "This artwork was personally shown, by me, to Peter David Joralemon, who examined it, in my presence, and declared it to be an ancient work of art from the Olmec culture."

Provenance: ex-private Florida collection acquired from Howard Rose, ex-Samual Dubiner, Tel Aviv, 1960's;

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#130583

A sheered loss across his left pectoral and some loss to both forearms and torch which have been restored by Robert Stoetzer. Head reattached. Tiny nicks to ears and areas of the surface as shown.