Standing Figure, c. 900-400 BC. The Olmec were Mesoamerica's greatest lapidaries; their work in jade and serpentine was prized by both contemporary and later Mesoamerican cultures. Human beings were jaguar traits (such as the downturned mouth and paw-like hands of this figurine) are common in Olmec art. Such creatures were probably believed to possess supernatural powers.

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Size: 3565px × 4352px
Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1200-300, art, bc, cleveland, heritage, mexico, museum, olmec, sculpture, serpentine, unknown