Wired Humanities Projects, University of Oregon
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Olmec: Graceful Bird-Effigy Pendant
Jay I. Kislak Foundation

© Justin Kerr

Description
White-mottled sea-green jadeite
Mexico, Guerrero

Late Olmec

900-500 B.C.

L. 11.5 cm (4.5")

This ultra-simplistic effigy depicts a parrot-like bird with upturned long, grooved, beak and pitted eyes. The curved conical body sweeps gracefully behind. A bi-conical perforation on the tip of the beak allows for suspension as a pendant. Grooves also define the neckline and base of the beak. The Guerrero region of West Mexico produced a plentiful supply of Olmec style jades, but this highly polished abstraction is of unique elegance.

Collection
Olmec Collection Small and large photos of Olmec art objects, with physical and analytical descriptions.
Web Address
image, description and slide show http://www.kislakfoundation.org/pc_html/olmec6.html



Image Copyright