Olmec. Winged Figure, 800–500 B.C.E. Jadeite, 1 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (4.4 x 3.8 cm). Private Collection, L65.7.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, L65.7.2_transpc003.jpg)
Olmec. Winged Figure, 800–500 B.C.E. Jadeite, 1 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (4.4 x 3.8 cm). Private Collection, L65.7.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, L65.7.2_acetate_bw.jpg)
Olmec. Winged Figure, 800–500 B.C.E. Jadeite, 1 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (4.4 x 3.8 cm). Private Collection, L65.7.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , L65.7.2_in_situ.jpg)
Winged Figure
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
Jadeite
DATES
800–500 B.C.E.
PERIOD
Preclassic Period or Middle Formative
DIMENSIONS
1 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (4.4 x 3.8 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER
L65.7.2
CREDIT LINE
Private Collection
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Jade carving of the upper torso and head of a small winged figure with the typical Olmec elongated, flattened head, drooping lips, and drilled ear lobes. The wings have been identified as those of a bat, a nocturnal animal associated with the darkness of the underworld. The wings also have scalloped edges and fine incised lines that recall the wings of a butterfly, a potent symbol of transformation. Four small drill holes along the edges of the wings may have been used to sew the figure to clothing or to a headress. The fact that this figurine was found in Costa Rica suggests that Olmec-style carvings were highly valued there, and indicate that extensive trading networks existed throughout Mesoamerica.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Olmec. Winged Figure, 800–500 B.C.E. Jadeite, 1 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (4.4 x 3.8 cm). Private Collection, L65.7.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, L65.7.2_transpc003.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, L65.7.2_transpc003.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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