The ancient Olmec civilisation, which thrived in the Gulf Coast region of Mexico from 1600 BC–100 AD, had a rich artistic production best known for its jade masks and colossal stone heads. More than 300 objects, some of which have never previously been shown outside Mexico, trace the region’s cultural traditions from the Olmec up to the point of Spanish invasion in the 16th century. Find out more from the Musée du Quai Branly’s website.
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Colossal head 4 (1200–900 BC), Olmec, Mexico. © Catálogo Digital Museo de Antropología de Xalapa. Universidad Veracruzana, D.R. Secretaría de Cultura-INAH
Offering 4 (900–600 BC). Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico City. © D.R. Secretaría de Cultura-INAH/Archivo Digital de las Colecciones del Museo Nacional de Antropología-INAHCANON
Monument 52 (1200–600 BC), Olmec, Mexico. Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico City. © D.R. Secretaría de Cultura-INAH/Archivo Digital de las Colecciones del Museo Nacional de Antropología-INAH-CANON
Tripod vase (450–650 AD), Olmec, Mexico. © D.R. Secretaría de Cultura-INAH/Archivo Digital de las Colecciones del Museo Nacional de Antropología-INAHCANON/Colección Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacana
The problem with portraits