Jade carving of the upper torso and head of a small winged figure with the typical Olmec elongated, flattened head, drooping lips, and drilled ear lobes. The wings have been identified as those of a bat, a nocturnal animal associated with the darkness of the underworld. The wings also have scalloped edges and fine incised lines that recall the wings of a butterfly, a potent symbol of transformation. Four small drill holes along the edges of the wings may have been used to sew the figure to clothing or to a headress. The fact that this figurine was found in Costa Rica suggests that Olmec-style carvings were highly valued there, and indicate that extensive trading networks existed throughout Mesoamerica.

Small figurine carved out of reddish-brown felsite with the typical Olmec drooping-lipped face. The figure also has features of an animal such as a cap with feline ears and a long, bushy tail at the back, both suggesting that he is wearing a costume of an animal, perhaps a jaguar. The figure has two small drill holes at the eyes and at the downturned corners of the mouth.

Carved jade spoon with incised designs filled with red pigment (probably cinnabar). The spoon's slim handle widens into a bowl and then narrows into a smaller concave extension. The bowl is incised with a face in profile with typical Olmec features including the thick, drooping lips. Two other abstract, eyeless profiles appear in front of and behind the main profile head suggesting a mask that has been cut away to reveal a human face. Behind the head, a hand-paw-wing motif represents an abbreviated version of the Olmec dragon. The three, lobed designs incised in concentric lines on either side of the bowl have been interpreted as jaguar fur. Based upon representations of clothing, ornaments and ceremonial paraphernalia on stone sculptures, spoon-like objects appear to have been used by high-status individuals as insignia and worn (when there are drill holes) as pectoral ornaments. These spoons may have also been used by shamans for the consumption of hallucinogens to induce visions.

Chubby figure seated with legs tucked under the body and arms raised with hands touching head. Traces of cinnabar found all over figure. The figure wears a helmet-like headdress with a chevron band running down the center, and there are two raised rectangular relief decorations on the figure's back. There are circular openings (losses?) under the figure, each arm, stomach, and at the back of the head. Condition: Good; U.V. light reveals repairs to the stomach, right shoulder, left leg, left arm, pelvic area and back, and the back of head.

Gift of Vica de Iturbe

Carved jadeite plaque, trapezoidal in form and crowned at the top with a triangle on the right and curved scroll on the left; parallel lines below are carved in relief and there is a small, round indentation near the top. This object has been identified with headdress ornaments depicted on incised celts, and the form has been interpreted as a corn symbol. Since there are no drill holes, it was probably not attached to a garment or headdress but was more likely placed in a burial as a ritual object. Text by GdeH 9/2011: During the time of the Olmec civilization (800-500 B.C.E.), the first maize imagery appears in the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico in what are today’s states of Vera Cruz and Tabasco. This Olmec jade amuletic plaque is carved in the shape of what is believed to be a corn symbol. Images carved on ancient Olmec celts show plaques such as this worn in headdress ornaments, however, since there are no holes to facilitate attachment, this plaque was more likely used as a ritual burial object. Precious jade used as a medium to depict a corn stalk suggests that corn, and its attendant symbolism, was associated with the ruling elite.

Black bottle with a globular body and tall cylindrical neck. The body of the vessel is decorated with a boldly incised animal paw with three sharp claws. Condition: good.

One of a pair of Olmec jade ear effigies. The naturalistic carving of these effigies beautifully conveys the cartilaginous structure and texture of real ears. The holes in the lobes may have held attachments because if they were worn as pendants, the ears would have hung upside down. The function of these isolated, body parts is unknown, although they may have been used as funerary ornaments.

One of a pair of Olmec jade ear effigies. The naturalistic carving of these effigies beautifully conveys the cartilaginous structure and texture of real ears. The holes in the lobes may have held attachments because if they were worn as pendants, the ears would have hung upside down. The function of these isolated, body parts is unknown, although they may have been used as funerary ornaments.