Carved Plaque
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
The Olmec, whose civilization flourished on the Gulf Coast of Mexico from 1200 to 400 B.C.E., excelled at jade carving. The rarity, beauty, and hardness of the stone, with its variety of colors ranging from light green to a rich blue green, made it a desirable material for small objects. Jade was symbolically related to water, plants, and fertility. Spoons, often with incised designs, were likely used by shamans to ingest hallucinogens that induced visions and allowed them to communicate with the supernatural world. The shape of the plaque seen here is interpreted as a corn symbol, an indication of the crop’s importance. Images incised on Olmec celts (ceremonial axes) show figures wearing plaques like this one as headdress ornaments.
Caption
Olmec. Carved Plaque, 800–500 B.C.E.. Jadeite, 3 3/16 x 1 1/2 x 1/4 in. (7.8 x 3.8 x 0.6 cm). Collection of Christopher B. Martin, L73.15.2. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Frequent Art Questions
How do you date jadeite objects? (You can't radiocarbon date jadeite since it's not organic, right?)
You are right! Radiocarbon dating only works for organic material. When it comes to dating these objects, controlled archaeological excavation is the best way to determine dating. By excavating objects this way, we can begin to assemble dating systems by associating them with dated organic material found in the same context and/or grouping them by style. These objects feature the distinctive iconography and craftsmanship of the Olmec.
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