Olmec. <em>Standing Figurine</em>, 800–500 B.C.E. Felsite, traces of red pigment, 2 1/4 x 1 3/8 x 3/4 in. (5.7 x 3.5 x 1.9 cm). Collection of Christopher B. Martin, L75.15. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, L75.15_transpc003.jpg)

Olmec. Standing Figurine, 800–500 B.C.E. Felsite, traces of red pigment, 2 1/4 x 1 3/8 x 3/4 in. (5.7 x 3.5 x 1.9 cm). Collection of Christopher B. Martin, L75.15. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, L75.15_transpc003.jpg)

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Who is this little monkey guy?

This little figure by an Olmec artist showcases the Olmec interest in human-animal hybrids. The jaguar, which is the animal seen in this sculpture, is one of the most powerful and commonly seen animals in Olmec art. In Mesoamerica, jaguars are often associated with kings. So whoever this figure might be, he certainly is very important

You're very welcome! Let me know if you have anymore questions while you explore! I can tell you more about the great Olmec civilization that suddenly vanished (leaving archaeologists scratching their heads) or more about any works you see :~)

Could you tell me more about how the Olmec people revered animals and the natural world?

That's a great question! The Olmec have one of the oldest cultures in Mesoamerica. For these works specifically, the association with animals has meaning. For example, Jaguars -- the greatest hunters in the wild -- are tied to power, ferocity, and therefore, royalty.

Any nocturnal animal (such as owls) are tied to shamanism and the ability to see and perceive the world beyond. The human and animal blending, implies the unique ability to move between and embody both the power of animals and the world of humans. The Olmecs suddenly disappeared, so our understanding of their spirituality is somewhat limited.

So is it mostly allegorical or more religious?

I'd say it's very much religious.

What can you tell me about these?

These jade figurines are associated with the Olmec culture, one of the oldest-known civilizations from Mesoamerica. They likely served a ritual purpose. Jade, or any green stone, was highly prized in the region and was traded across far distances. Each of the figurines has unique aspects. The small one on the left of your photo, for instance, has cinnabar rubbed onto it.

Standing Figurine

Arts of the Americas

The Olmec civilization (1400–400 B.C.E.) of Mexico’s Gulf Coast region produced small, portable figurines intended for ritualistic purposes. These three works display the characteristic Olmec sculptural features of a drooping lip and an elongated, flattened head. The winged figure and felsite figurine reflect the Olmec tradition of merging human and animal traits. Such composite forms relate to the ability of shamans, or ritual specialists, to transform themselves into animals. The wings represent those of a bat, associated with the darkness of the underworld. The figurine’s bushy tail and cap with feline ears suggest a jaguar, a sacred animal revered for its power. Jadeite and felsite were not native to Olmec ceremonial centers. Challenging to acquire and laborious to carve, they were valuable materials. The winged figure’s discovery in Costa Rica indicates the reverence for Olmec carvin

CULTURE Olmec

MEDIUM Felsite, traces of red pigment

Place Made: Veracruz, Mexico

DATES 800–500 B.C.E.

PERIOD Preclassic Period or Middle Formative

DIMENSIONS 2 1/4 x 1 3/8 x 3/4 in. (5.7 x 3.5 x 1.9 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas

ACCESSION NUMBER L75.15

CREDIT LINE Collection of Christopher B. Martin

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Small figurine carved out of reddish-brown felsite with the typical Olmec drooping-lipped face. The figure also has features of an animal such as a cap with feline ears and a long, bushy tail at the back, both suggesting that he is wearing a costume of an animal, perhaps a jaguar. The figure has two small drill holes at the eyes and at the downturned corners of the mouth.

EXHIBITIONS

American Art

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Olmec. Standing Figurine, 800–500 B.C.E. Felsite, traces of red pigment, 2 1/4 x 1 3/8 x 3/4 in. (5.7 x 3.5 x 1.9 cm). Collection of Christopher B. Martin, L75.15. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, L75.15_transpc003.jpg)

IMAGE overall, L75.15_transpc003.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

"CUR" at the beginning of an image file name means that the image was created by a curatorial staff member. These study images may be digital point-and-shoot photographs, when we don\'t yet have high-quality studio photography, or they may be scans of older negatives, slides, or photographic prints, providing historical documentation of the object.

RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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