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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Olmec Jade : Olmec Jade Pectoral with a Human Effigy
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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
$6,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
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The Olmecs are generally considered to be the ultimate ancestor of all subsequent Mesoamerican civilisations. 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 artefacts 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.
Comparatively little is known of their magico-religious world, although the clues that we have are tantalising. The art forms for which
the Olmecs are best known, the monumental stone heads weighing up to forty tons, are generally assumed to pertain to some form of
kingly leader or possibly an ancestor. The smaller jade figures and celts of which this is one are believed to be domestically or
institutionally based totems or divinities. The quality of production is astonishing, particularly if one considers the technology available
for production, the early date of the pieces, and the dearth of earlier works upon which the Olmec sculptors could draw. Some pieces
are highly stylised, while others demonstrate striking naturalism with interpretation of some facial features (notably down-turned
mouths and slit eyes) that can be clearly seen on the current amulet.
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. 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.
- (PF.5588)
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