Olmec Stone Head

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The colossal heads of the Olmecs are massive stone likenesses crafted from substantial basalt rocks. Dating back at least 900 BC, these monumental statues are a signature aspect of the ancient Mesoamerican Olmec civilization.[1] Each representation depicts an adult with plump cheeks, broad noses, and eyes that are slightly askew; their physical characteristics mirror those still prevalent among the residents of Tabasco and Veracruz. The reverse sides of the monuments frequently display flat surfaces. Transported from the Sierra de los Tuxtlas mountains in Veracruz, the enormous stone blocks used to create these statues required considerable human labor and resources, leading many to believe that they are portraits of influential Olmec leaders. Each known example boasts a unique headdress.