Artwork Page for Seated Figure

Details / Information for Seated Figure

Seated Figure

c. 900–300 BCE

Mesoamerica, Mexico, Olmec

Medium
albitite
Measurements
Overall: 11 x 6.2 x 3.9 cm (4 5/16 x 2 7/16 x 1 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1941.390
Public Domain
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Location
233 Mesoamerican and Intermediate Region
Print

Description

Like their contemporaries, the Olmec made figurines but of greenstone rather than clay. This one, whose identity and use are mysterious, holds objects that may address nature's fertility: on the right, perhaps a cut conch shell that refers to water, and on the left, what may be a plant or a bundle of green feathers that symbolizes new vegetation.
Blotchy green and brown-orange, albitite rock sculpture of a seated figure with a lanky body and head the size of their torso, face rectangular and mouth open. They cross their right leg against the left leg, which hangs down before cutting off at the pedestal base. Resting their hands on their knees, the left holds an object wrapped around the knuckles of the closed fist and the right a teardrop shaped bundle with triangular etchings.

Seated Figure

c. 900–300 BCE

Mesoamerica, Mexico, Olmec

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