Colossal Head Monument

myminifactory

This head, unlike the other three found at La Venta, does not display parted lips. The individual depicted presents a harsh facial gesture, carved with a prominent frown and furrowed brow. He is wearing a helmet that displays the common Olmec "U" element directly above the forehead, from which three petal-shaped appendages emerge. This colossal head was discovered in 1925 by Frans Blom and Oliver La Farge, facing southward at the base of the large pyramid C-1 at La Venta. Behind the head were found several large stelae also facing southward— whose iconographic narratives are associated with the justification of power. These monuments, together with the colossal head, appear to bound and protect the sacred precinct of the political/religious center of the site. These sculptures leave no doubt that a primary mechanism for the legitimation of political power among the inhabitants of the site was through the representation of rulers in monumental stone sculptures. This statue weight 24 tons.   This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.