Head Fragment

c. 900–300 BCE
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Overall: 7.4 x 6.2 x 5 cm (2 15/16 x 2 7/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Weight: 350.63 g (Note: this weight includes the weight of a brass pin in the base of the artifact)
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In ancient Mesoamerica, jade was more valuable than gold.

Description

This sensual head fragment may come from a seated or standing figure like those shown nearby, though much larger. The carving is exceptionally fine, from the slight under-eye puffiness to the delineation of the fleshy lips and the teeth. The profile face of supernatural being is incised just in front of each ear, perhaps indicating that the subject had special power.
Head Fragment

Head Fragment

c. 900–300 BCE

Mesoamerica, Mexico, Olmec

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