"The Olmec civilization, which was discovered
barely forty years ago, is still not well known. Its
name comes from the inhabitants of that region
in the 16th century, the Olmeca, the "People-
from-the-Land-of-Rubber". Often this
civilization is regarded as the mother civilization
of Mesoamerica, for this is where the great
ceremonial centers, the ball-courts, the
sculptured monuments and writing appear for
the first time. From about 1300 to 500 BC, this
civilization spread out all over Meso-America."
The spread of this civilization is seen in this
Olmecoid seated baby that is from culturally rich
country of Costa Rica. Although it is reminiscent
of the Olmec culture, there are visible
differences. The nose and mouth are depicted
with an individual style all of its own. The
forehead does not appear to have cranial
deformation, which is common in the Olmec,
seated babies. The tummy and posture is not
quite as upright as other examples known to be
Olmec. Perhaps this seated baby represents the
infusion of two great cultures: the Olmec and
the Costa Ricans. Like all other cultures across
the world, there has always been trade and
discovery that leads to the sharing of ideas and
artistic styles. Evidently, it appears to have
happened here, as well. We are left with
admiration for the technical skills, the purely
aesthetic emotions felt for this object and with
questions to its meaning. When we behold this
masterpiece, our eyes are listening.
- (PF.3879)
|
