Fine Olmec Jade Head of a Man Middle Preclassic, ca. 900-600 B.C.

carved with precision conveying a portrait quality, the mature face with age lines extending by the sides of the mouth, thin dimple lines, the full lips open, wide almond-shaped eyes with swelling lower lids and narrow ears pierced on the lobes, the top of the head constricted and rounded at back; pierced laterally above the ears for suspension; in blue-green stone with translucent areas. 

John Wise Collection

Princeton, The Art Museum, Princeton University, The Stanley J. Seeger Jr. Collection, June 1961, cat. no. 140, illus.

Excellent, intact.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This masterfully carved head is a precious remnant of an important figure;  it was an heirloom pierced as a pendant in antiquity. The style of the face is similar to the standing figures of the La Venta cache, but this head is distinguished by more individual facial elements. For the heirloom head found at Palenque in the National Museum of the American Indian, see Coe (1995: cat. no. 24), see also ibid (cat. nos. 22 and 26).