Artwork Page for Head Fragment

Details / Information for Head Fragment

Head Fragment

c. 900–300 BCE
This object has related works. See

Mesoamerica, Mexico, Olmec

Medium
jadeite
Measurements
Overall: 7.4 x 6.2 x 5 cm (2 15/16 x 2 7/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Weight: 350.63 g (Note: this weight includes the weight of a brass pin in the base of the artifact)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1961.31
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
233 Mesoamerican and Intermediate Region
Print
?

Did You Know?

In ancient Mesoamerica, jade was more valuable than gold.

Description

This sensual head fragment may come from a seated or standing figure like those shown nearby, though much larger. The carving is exceptionally fine, from the slight under-eye puffiness to the delineation of the fleshy lips and the teeth. The profile face of supernatural being is incised just in front of each ear, perhaps indicating that the subject had special power.
A small light green segment of a head features the face of a figure from below the eyes to the top of the neck. There is a hole in each earlobe and the figure's mouth is slightly open.

Head Fragment

c. 900–300 BCE

Mesoamerica, Mexico, Olmec

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork