Name: Olmec Jade Standing Figure - 12th Century BCE to 4th Century CE | Important Find
Brand: Exclusive Collectibles
SKU: 100066
Price: 3931.0 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Olmec Jade Standing Figure - 12th Century BCE to 4th Century CE | Important Find

$3,931.00

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Estimated time period from 1200BCE to 400CE
Size is 14 cm and weight is 213.1 g

Provenance Information

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This exquisite Pre-Columbian Olmec standing figure sculpted from jadeite, dating back to between the 12th Century BCE and the 4th Century CE, is an extraordinary relic from ancient Mesoamerica. With verified provenance from the prestigious Barney G. Malone collection, this artifact offers a unique window into the Olmec civilization.

We present a remarkable Pre-Columbian Olmec jade standing figure, a testament to the enigmatic Olmec culture that thrived from the 12th Century BCE to the 4th Century CE. Standing at 14 cm in height and 5 cm wide, weighing 213.1 grams, this figure is a masterful representation of the Olmec's sophisticated sculptural techniques and their reverence for jade, a material they associated with water and vegetation fertility.

The figure's posture and facial expression are emblematic of the Olmec artistic style, often characterized by depictions of a were-jaguar—a creature part human, part jaguar that held significant mythological importance. The craftsmanship suggests that the figure could represent a shaman in a transformative state, which was a core concept in Olmec spirituality and cosmology.

Sourced from the jade-rich regions of Guatemala, the value of such a piece is magnified by its excellent condition and the fact that it has been part of Barney G. Malone's private collection. TA copy of the provenance, signed by Malone in 2017, guarantees its authenticity and legal import from Mexico between 1963 and 1970.

Collector, Jade, Malone Collection, Mesoamerica, Olmec, Statue

The Olmec jade figure exhibits characteristic features of Olmec artistry, such as the distinctive facial features - downturned mouth, broad nose, and slanted eyes, which are often associated with Olmec depictions of deities or esteemed figures. The smooth finish and green hue of the jade suggest it was highly prized and indicates a significant amount of labor and skill involved in its creation. The figure's posture, with hands resting on its legs and a slightly bent posture, could signify a stance of readiness or alertness, common in depictions of Olmec figures. This piece's excellent condition and clear iconography make it a rare and valuable artifact, shedding light on the mysterious Olmec civilization.