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Apollo

The Olmec and the Cultures of the Gulf of Mexico

Musée du Quai Branly, Paris

NOW CLOSED

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.

Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here

Colossal head (1200-900 BC).

Colossal head 4 (1200–900 BC), Olmec, Mexico. © Catálogo Digital Museo de Antropología de Xalapa. Universidad Veracruzana, D.R. Secretaría de Cultura-INAH

16 figures and 6 chisels (800-600 AD).

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

Sitting sculpture (1200-600 AC).

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).

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