El Salvador
Olmec

Ceramic, pigment
1000 – 600 BCE
Height: 7.25 in, Width: 5.75 in
Idiophones – Indirectly Struck Idiophones – Rattles

A large pre-Columbian Olmecoid figural rattle depicting a seated figure wearing ear spools, necklace, lower body garment, and elaborate hairstyle.  This figure is shaped from a light ceramic with rough matte texture, covered in a thin white pigment layer.

The face features the distinct grin-like expression common for Chalchuapa figures, pierced/punctate eyes, nostrils, and an open mouth.  The arms of the figure are thin and stretch out to the sides, while the legs are shorter and pointed downward and slightly out. These are thought to be regional variations of the Olmec “baby” figure types and are early predecessors of the later Maya figurine traditions of the region.