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Celt with Olmec Maize God
Not on view
Olmec artists incised scenes on greenstone axes or celts, which symbolized sprouts of maize. This celt features the Olmec Maize God, his face shown in profile to accentuate his characteristic upturned lip. He holds a large serpent-like bar or bundle across his torso, and maize sprouts from his head and the four corners alongside his body.
Los artistas olmecas solían hacer incisiones en hachas de jade, que simbolizaban brotes de maíz. La hacha representa al Dios del Maíz olmeca. El rostro está de perfil con el fin de acentuar su característico labio respingado. Sostiene en su torso un gran bastón en forma de serpiente o un bulto. Se pueden observar brotes de maíz saliendo de su cabeza y en las cuatro esquinas junto a su cuerpo.
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