More from the Olmecs

Although the colossal heads carved by the ancient tribe known as the Olmecs are the stars at the Anthropology Museum in Jalapa, there is much more to see.  Here are a few of the other Olmec treasures from the museum's collection...

Small stone monuments such as the one in the photo below were once thought to be altars.  However, paintings have been found showing nobles seated atop them.  Archaeologists now assume that they served as thrones for the rulers.

The two small figures who appear to be supporting the throne may be "chaneques", mythological beings who inhabited caves, jungles and springs.

Kids (or those who are kids at heart) can pose for a photo as one of the "chaneques."

This statue, nicknamed "El Príncipe" (The Prince) is considered a masterpiece of Olmec scupture.

This stone column is carved with a figure in movement as if dancing.

The jaguar seems to have been an important part of Olmec religion.  Many sculptures portray what have been called "were-jaguars", humans with feline features.

In many Olmec sites, small ceramic figures of infants have been found.  These "baby-faced"  images often show cranial deformation, a practice that was practiced by later civilizations such as the Mayas.  Boards would be tied to an infant's head to create an elongated or flattened skull. 

 

Jade was highly prized, and small jade figures have been found as offerings at many Olmecs sites.

One of the most important works of Olmec sculpture is called "El Señor de Las Limas".  (Las Limas is the site where the statue was found).  This exceptionally fine piece is carved from serpentine.  It depicts a priest holding a "were-jaguar" infant who is either asleep or dead.

Some scholars have interpreted the statue to represent the creation of humankind.  Others view it as evidence of infant sacrifice.

There is much more to see at the museum besides the artifacts from the Olmecs... two thousand years of cultures in Veracruz that came after the Olmecs.  However, I will continue with our weekend visit to Jalapa, and save the rest of the museum for another time.