Olmec Figural Perforator

Private Collection

American Private Collection, acquired from the above in November, 1965 

Michael D. Coe, ed., The Olmec World: Ritual and Rulership, Princeton, 1996, p. 34, fig. 9, and p. 192, cat. no. 77

Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton,The Olmec World, Ritual and Rulership, December 16, 1995 - February 25, 1996; additional venues:

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, April 14 - June 9, 1996

Bloodletting was an essential component in the important rituals associated with agricultural fertility, rites of passage and shamanism. The act of giving one’s own lifeforce was an ultimate sacrifice that began in the Preclassic era and gained prominence in later Classic times throughout Mesoamerica. This compacted clay figure is modeled as a handle for the stingray spine represented projecting from his head. Stingray spines have been found in burials and served in the bloodletting ritual. The indication of bent legs and stoic face are features of shamanic posture.