Gift of Mrs. Eugene Schaefer

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.

Gift of Dr. Alvin E. Friedman-Kien

Frank Sherman Benson Fund and the Henry L. Batterman Fund

Museum Expedition 1941, Frank L. Babbott Fund

Brooklyn Museum Collection

Frank Sherman Benson Fund and the Henry L. Batterman Fund

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.

Frank Sherman Benson Fund and the Henry L. Batterman Fund

A large ceramic, seated stocky figure with rather thick arms, legs crossed in front and a hand on the ankle and knee of the right leg. The figure has a large head with thick strands of hair, protruding semi-oval eyes, an open mouth, and protrusions on its nose, cheeks and under its chin. Decorated with a nose ring, large ear ornaments, and a neckpiece with a large pendant, the figure is also wears a broad collar with a flange-like border, and a bracelet on each wrist. Traces of red and yellow pigment and blackened areas are visible. There are firing holes in the forearms, abdomen, thigh area, knees and instep. Condition: extensive cracks and repairs, especially in hair, on proper right arm, and proper left leg. Proper left hand has missing fingers, and the firing hole on the left instep is larger due to a break. The paint surface is fragile.