Olmec Greenstone Head, Middle Preclassic, circa 900 - 600 BC

New York Private Collection, acquired before 1964

Michael D. Coe, ed., The Olmec World: Ritual and Rulership, Princeton, 1996, p. 309, cat. no. 229

The expressive head, once on a standing figure, is attributed to the Guerrero region, yet the iconic characteristics of the purest Olmec style are eloquently portrayed. The high arch of the parted lips is accented by the drilled philtrum beneath the nose, and the delicately pointed chin includes a dimpled lower lip. Deep vertical lines accent the cheeks, the eyes are large and deeply recessed for inlay, with grooves beneath possibly for additional inserts to highlight the lower lids. The long ears are drilled for ornaments.

For heads of similar style, see two complete figures in Michael D. Coe, ed., The Olmec World: Ritual and Rulership, Princeton, 1996, p. 148, cat. no. 18, and p. 154, cat. no. 26.