Pre-Columbian Olmec Serpentine head fragment and retains notable traces of

and retains notable traces of original polychrome decoration

overall in remarkable condition with excellent preservation of expression and form

clearly visible when viewed from below

closely comparable to examples published in Ancient West Mexico: Art and Archaeology of the Unknown Past by Richard F

the earliest major civilization of Mesoamerica

Pre-Columbian Olmec Serpentine head fragment and retains notable traces ofPre Columbian Olmec Serpentine Head Fragment Mexico Middle Formative Period, ca. 1200400 BCE A finely carved serpentine head fragment originating from the Olmec culture, the earliest major civilization of Mesoamerica. The piece, once part of a larger sculptural figure, presents a refined and compact visage with characteristic Olmec features: almond shaped eyes, a broad, softly modeled nose, and full lips rendered with subtle naturalism. The cranial