Olmecoid Terracotta Sculpture of a Standing Woman Wearing a Skirt - CK.0623,Origin: Mesoamerica,Circa: 900 BC to 300 BC,Dimensions: 7.375" (18.7cm) high x 2.25" (5.7cm)  More »

Olmecoid Terracotta Sculpture of a Standing Woman Wearing a Skirt - CK.0623,Origin: Mesoamerica,Circa: 900 BC to 300 BC,Dimensions: 7.375" (18.7cm) high x 2.25" (5.7cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Olmecoid,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Olmec Stone Anthropomorphic Sculpture - CK.0634, Origin: Mesoamerica,Circa: 1200 BC to 900 BC, Dimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high x 2.5" (6.4cm) wide x 2.25" (5.7cm) depth,  More »

Olmec Stone Anthropomorphic Sculpture - CK.0634, Origin: Mesoamerica,Circa: 1200 BC to 900 BC, Dimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high x 2.5" (6.4cm) wide x 2.25" (5.7cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec,Medium: Stone.   « Less

Olmecoid Stone Sculpture of a Monkey - CK.0635, Origin: Mesoamerica, Circa: 1200 BC to 600 BC, Dimensions: 10" (25.4cm) high x 3" (7.6cm) wide x 6" (15.2cm) depth,  More »

Olmecoid Stone Sculpture of a Monkey - CK.0635, Origin: Mesoamerica, Circa: 1200 BC to 600 BC, Dimensions: 10" (25.4cm) high x 3" (7.6cm) wide x 6" (15.2cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Stone. The Olmecs are generally considered to be the ultimate ancestor of all subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations. Thriving between about 1200 and 400 BC, their base was the tropical lowlands of south central Mexico, an area characterized by swamps punctuated by low hill ridges and volcanoes. Here the Olmecs practiced advanced farming techniques and constructed permanent settlements, including San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán, La Venta, Tres Zapotes, Laguna de los Cerros, and La Mojarra. However, the consolidation of their city-states led to notable cultural influence far beyond their heartland, and throughout the Mesoamerican region. This was confirmed in 2005 with the use of NAA (Neutron Activation Analysis) and petrography to demonstrate the spread of Olmec ceramic vessels. It would appear that the Olmec style became synonymous with elite status in other (predominantly highland) groups, with evidence for exchange of artifacts in both directions. A non-literate group, the Olmecs nevertheless paved the way for the development of writing systems in the loosely defined Epi- Olmec period (c. 500 BC). Further innovations include arguably the first use of the zero, so instrumental in the Maya long count vigesimal calendrical system. They also appear to have been the originators of the famous Mesoamerican ballgame so prevalent among later cultures in the region, and either retained or invented several religious symbols such as the feathered serpent and the rain spirit, which persisted in subsequent and related cultures until the middle ages.   « Less

Olmec Stone Spoon - CK.0686, Origin: Mesoamerica, Circa: 1200 BC to 900 BC, Dimensions: 6.5" (16.5cm) high x 2.5" (6.4cm) wide x 2" (5.1cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Olmec Stone Spoon - CK.0686, Origin: Mesoamerica, Circa: 1200 BC to 900 BC, Dimensions: 6.5" (16.5cm) high x 2.5" (6.4cm) wide x 2" (5.1cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Stone. The Olmecs are generally considered to be the ultimate ancestor of all subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations. Thriving between about 1200 and 400 BC, their base was the tropical lowlands of south central Mexico, an area characterized by swamps punctuated by low hill ridges and volcanoes. Here the Olmecs practiced advanced farming techniques and constructed permanent settlements, including San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán, La Venta, Tres Zapotes, Laguna de los Cerros, and La Mojarra. However, the consolidation of their city-states led to notable cultural influence far beyond their heartland, and throughout the Mesoamerican region. This was confirmed in 2005 with the use of NAA (Neutron Activation Analysis) and petrography to demonstrate the spread of Olmec ceramic vessels. It would appear that the Olmec style became synonymous with elite status in other (predominantly highland) groups, with evidence for exchange of artifacts in both directions. A non-literate group, the Olmecs nevertheless paved the way for the development of writing systems in the loosely defined Epi- Olmec period (c. 500 BC). Further innovations include arguably the first use of the zero, so instrumental in the Maya long count vigesimal calendrical system. They also appear to have been the originators of the famous Mesoamerican ballgame so prevalent among later cultures in the region, and either retained or invented several religious symbols such as the feathered serpent and the rain spirit, which persisted in subsequent and related cultures until the middle ages.   « Less

Olmec Jade Sculpture of a Standing Were-Jaguar - PF.0327, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 1200 BC to 600 BC, Dimensions: 8.25" (21.0cm) high, Catalogue: V1, Collection: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Olmec Jade Sculpture of a Standing Were-Jaguar - PF.0327, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 1200 BC to 600 BC, Dimensions: 8.25" (21.0cm) high, Catalogue: V1, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Jade. The powerful snarling expression that immediately focuses our gaze shows this to be a jaguar man, a hybrid of human and beast that figures prominently in Olmec cosmology. It is as if the Olmecs understood some part of us all that is not quite civilized, something primal, bestial, that stretches back to before recorded time. We respond to such a masterpiece at some deep visceral level that transcends the purely aesthetic. It awakens emotions we were perhaps unaware of.   « Less

Olmec Jade Amulet - PF.0802, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) high, Catalogue: V2, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Jade.

Olmec Jade Amulet - PF.0802, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) high, Catalogue: V2, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Jade.   « Less

Olmecoid Jade Amulet - PF.1844, Origin: Guatemala, Circa: 500 BC to 200 BC, Dimensions: 1.75" (4.4cm) high x 2.625" (6.7cm) wide, Catalogue: V11, Collection: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Olmecoid Jade Amulet - PF.1844, Origin: Guatemala, Circa: 500 BC to 200 BC, Dimensions: 1.75" (4.4cm) high x 2.625" (6.7cm) wide, Catalogue: V11, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmecoid, Medium: Jade. Like some primal nature spirit, this jade deity appears to be emerging from the depths of the stone itself. He rises organically from its core, making us forget the skilled hand of the artist. The jade is a soothing green color, as cool and quiet as a pool in the heart of the jungle; it invites the touch even as it delights the eyes. Centuries ago, some person of rank wore this pendant to protect against evil. Its magic seems very old, benevolent and mysterious, as potent today as it was long ago.   « Less

Olmecoid Jade Pectoral - PF.4152, Origin: Mesoamerica, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 6.75" (17.1cm) high, Catalogue: V25, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmecoid,  More »

Olmecoid Jade Pectoral - PF.4152, Origin: Mesoamerica, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 6.75" (17.1cm) high, Catalogue: V25, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmecoid, Medium: Jade. This beautiful pectoral shows the amazing craftsmanship that was available at the time. Its flawlessness is exemplified by the brilliant color of the stone, a hard material, which has been carefully carved. In the center is a small, expressive face with deep penetrating eyes, and a grimacing mouth that seems to open wider as we approach it. The frown complements the turned down mouth, creating a sense of symmetry. On either side of the face is a geometric twist pattern that has been delicately carved. The entire piece has also been polished to accentuate the perfect color and making it smooth to the touch. This type of artwork immortalizes the past as well as the artist giving us a richer sense of the past.   « Less

Olmec Jade Pectoral with a Human Effigy - PF.5588, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 600 BC, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium:  More »

Olmec Jade Pectoral with a Human Effigy - PF.5588, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 600 BC, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Jade. The many perforated holes along the edges attest to the fact that this pendant was probably worn as a pectoral for ceremonial functions. The snarling face carved into the center of this work is typically Olmec. Considered the mother culture of Mesoamerica, the Olmecs are one of the oldest and richest civilizations to inhabit the Americas. Remembered foremost today for their colossal heads of rulers or gods, their artistic and religious traditions were absorbed and adapted by the cultures that followed them. This pectoral depicts such a colossal head type in miniature. The undulating wings on either side might represent part of an elaborate costume. This figure also might be a mythological hybrid creature: half-bird, half-man. As great civilizations rise and fall, they leave behind traces of their power. The most sacred ritualistic objects continue to exert a force beyond time and the hands that once held them sacred. A mysterious energy still radiates from the core of this jade carving.   « Less

Olmec Jade Celt - PF.5743, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 11" (27.9cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Jade. A celt is a common  More »

Olmec Jade Celt - PF.5743, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 11" (27.9cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Jade. A celt is a common prehistoric tool of stone or metal, shaped like a chisel or ax head. This large jade celt demonstrates the spectacular workmanship of Olmec lapidaries. No engravings decorate the work. The brilliant green hues of the jade are allowed to dominate. The variety of the color astonishes, from a rich, dark emerald green to a bright, pale sandy green. The wider end of the celt has been superbly worked into a pointed edge. This would have conceivably been used for chiseling; but it is difficult to imagine using this object for something so utilitarian. Probably, it had some ceremonial significance lost to us with the dissolution of the Olmec civilization. Overall, the celt is finely polished, the smoothness of its surface making the colors much more lustrous.   « Less