Olmec Stone Seated Figure

Emile Deletaille, Brussels

Private Collection, Belgium, acquired from the above in 1985 

Thence by descent

The smooth and massive shoulders of this figure are in sharp contrast to the tapered waist and long arms separated from the body, creating the architectural look of the Guerrero temple models. His uplifted head has distinctive large recessed eyes and an open mouth. The figure sits on a tall bench with the distinct curled ends. 

The bench figure type harkens to the early Olmec era of the monumental basalt pedestals that were altars or seats of power for important rulers or priests. As on this example, the shape of the seat references the U-shapes of the cloud and water symbols, suggesting a celestial empowerment. Smaller portable sculptures of figures, which emphasize the robust musculature of the upper body and head, are known from the southern and central Highlands of Mexico and Guatemala.

For a figure seated on a bench holding the sacred ceremonial bar, with cloud symbols above, see the monumental Chalcatzingo petroglyph, in Michael D. Coe, The Jaguar’s Children: Pre-Classic Central Mexico, New York, 1965, p. 19, figs. 10 and 11.