Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero, Olmec, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A finely carved and string cut white stone figure standing with both arms held to the sides and knees slightly bent, presenting a characteristically elongated head with a misshapen crown, most likely indicating cranial deformation as the Olmec traditionally wore tight-fitting helmets, an expressive visage comprised of slit eyes, an arched browline, a prominent well-defined nose, and a downturned were-jaguar mouth. To the Olmecs, stone figures like this example (as well as their masks and maskettes) carried many meanings, not all of which are obvious to us today. A wonderful example with well-executed string cut features, displayed on custom bronze base. Size: 3" W x 7.5" H (7.6 cm x 19 cm); 7.75" H (19.7 cm) on included custom stand.
The first major civilization in Meso-America was that of the Olmec. They established themselves in the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico around 1500 BCE. The Olmec were very advanced, with monumental architecture, colossal statuary, votive statues,, and an aristocracy that enjoyed fine objects of personal adornment carved from stone as well.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex Private Forida, USA collection; ex Barry Kernerman collection, Toronto Canada; ex Samuel Dubiner collection, Tel Aviv, Israel, acquired 1960s
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#155738
Condition
Nicks and abrasions to head, body, limbs, peripheries, and verso, with fading to pigment between arms, and large chip to front of right forearm. Nice earthen deposits and very smooth surface textures throughout.