Figure c. 900

This Olmec figure, carved from stone, resides at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Its dark green, almost black, surface is smooth yet marked with sharp lines defining the figure’s form. The face, with its pronounced brow and downturned mouth, exudes a solemn intensity, mirrored by the rigid posture of the body. The figure is rendered with a striking balance of geometric abstraction and stylized naturalism. Notice how the Olmec artist reduced the human form to essential shapes, emphasizing symmetry and verticality. The incised lines, particularly around the limbs, create a dynamic interplay between surface and depth. This emphasis on structure invites us to consider how the artwork destabilizes established meanings of representation, engaging with new ways of perceiving the human form. The use of stone, combined with the figure’s abstract yet powerful presence, invites ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.