Collections: Arts of the Americas: Winged Figure

• Download
• Add to set
• Favorite
• Posse icon
• Share
• Print

Winged Figure

• Culture: Olmec
• Medium: Jadeite
• Place Found: Union de Guapiles, Linea Vieja, Costa Rica
• Dates: 800-500 B.C.E.
• Period: Preclassic Period or Middle Formative
• Dimensions: 1 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (4.4 x 3.8 cm)
• Collections: Arts of the Americas
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
• Accession Number: L65.7.2
• Credit Line: Collection of Robin B. Martin
• Image: Overall, L65.7.2_transpc003.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Olmec. Winged Figure, 800-500 B.C.E. Jadeite, 1 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (4.4 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Collection of Robin B. Martin, L65.7.2 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, L65.7.2_transpc003.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: 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.