|
HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Olmec Art : Olmecoid Sculpture of a Standing Woman
|
 |
|
|
|
Olmecoid Sculpture of a Standing Woman - PF.0391
Origin: Guerrero, Mexico
Circa: 900
BC
to 300
BC
Dimensions:
10.75" (27.3cm) high
x 5" (12.7cm) wide
Catalogue: V2
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Olmecoid
Medium: Terracotta
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Description |
|
The Olmecs are generally considered to be the ultimate ancestor of all subsequent
Mesoamerican civilisations. Thriving between about 1200 and 400 BC, their base
was the tropical lowlands of south central Mexico, an area characterized by
swamps punctuated by low hill ridges and volcanoes. Here the Olmecs practiced
advanced farming techniques and constructed permanent settlements. However,
the consolidation of their city-states led to notable cultural influence far beyond
their heartland, and throughout the Mesoamerican region. It would appear that
the Olmec style became synonymous with elite status in other (predominantly
highland) groups, with evidence for exchange of artefacts in both directions. A
non-literate group, the Olmecs nevertheless paved the way for the development
of writing systems in the loosely defined Epi- Olmec period (c. 500 BC). Further
innovations include arguably the first use of the zero, so instrumental in the Maya
long count vigesimal calendrical system. They also appear to have been the
originators of the famous Mesoamerican ballgame so prevalent among later
cultures in the region, and either retained or invented several religious symbols
such as the feathered serpent and the rain spirit, which persisted in subsequent
and related cultures until the middle ages.
Comparatively little is known of their magico- religious world, although the clues
that we have are tantalizing. The art forms for which the Olmecs are best known,
the monumental stone heads weighing up to forty tons, are generally assumed to
pertain to some form of kingly leader or possibly an ancestor. The smaller jade
figures and celts are believed to be domestically or institutionally based totems or
divinities. The quality of production is astonishing, particularly if one considers
the technology available for production, the early date of the pieces, and the
dearth of earlier works upon which the Olmec sculptors could draw. Some pieces
are highly stylized, while others demonstrate striking naturalism.
The term “Olmecoid” refers to those unknown cultures that lived on the periphery
of the Olmec and were highly influenced by their neighbor. As such, Olmecoid
works of art reflect stylistic tendencies characteristic of the greater Olmec culture,
albeit mixed with their own indigenous qualities.
There is a primitive power about this figure,
something unrefined, almost bestial, and yet
mesmerizing. It is her face that holds our
attention with its narrowed eyes and scowling
mouth. Is it the face of grief, or pain, or anger? It
is such a strongly emotional look that we catch
our breath expecting further reaction,
anticipating something which will never happen.
- (PF.0391)
|
| |
|
