This is a jadeite Olmec mask c. 900 BC Mexico at Dumbarton Oaks. It was mistakenly classified as Tang dynasty Chinese by medieval Italian art dealers. I call this digital photograph, taken in July 2011: "Olmec Mask." This glass exhibition space is a Philip Johnson designed annex to the main Dumbarton Oaks Georgetown mansion. (July 14, 2011) This might be a replica of the original. Jade is green stone - more like the weblink photo. Also, contrary to the weblink, this is probably not the maize god - who in Mayan art is usually a depicted as beautiful youth.; - this is probably a representation of a Xibalban or death-lord. (July 24, 2011) This could also be a representation of the charismatic serpent deity Quetzalcoatl; or Gucumatz- in the Mayan "Popul Vuh."
				Full screen version

	These are three serpentine Olmec "Transformation Figures" c. 900 BC Mexico, also at Dumbarton Oaks. They have jaguar heads on top of human bodies. From left to right, standing figure 1, standing figure 2 and crouching figure 3. I call this digital photo, taken in July 2011: "Olmec Figurines." Also in this exhibit, but too tiny to easily photograph, is a clearly black African serpentine portrait head c.900 BC Mexico. Of interest is the backward cranial modification - later to be found in Mayans. On top of the portrait head is what looks to me like a scarf or head-gear, but which the Dumbarton Oaks web site labels as locks of hair.
				Full screen version

Page 105

First posted: 7/13/2011