1968.3 Concave Pectoral (Olmec, Guerrero, Mexico)

This pectoral or chest ornament is an extremely rare object from the Olmec tradition and one of the largest known examples. The concave surface is intricately carved with eight flanges spaced around the outer edges of all four sides and may represent foliage. This pectoral would have originally been suspended by a cord from the two smaller drilled holes at the top, tied at the neck, and worn hanging over the chest. The drilled perforation in the center indicates it may have originally been part of a larger pectoral, though its size would have already been impressive on its own.

Pre-Columbian (American): AAT: 300016619

Olmec: AAT: 300017051

Mexico (nation): TGN: 7005560

Guerrero (state): TGN: 7005585

jadeite (mineral): AAT: 300011121

carving: AAT: 300053149

polishing (finishing): AAT: 300053867

drillwork (sculpture technique): AAT: 300186211

Middle Preclassic Period (Formative): AAT: 300016973

Late Preclassic Period (Formative): AAT: 300016976

Preclassic (Archaic / Formative / Mesoamerican period): AAT: 300016967

Formative Period (Preclassic): AAT: 300016973

worn costume accessories: AAT: 300209274

jewelry: AAT: 300209286

pectorals (jewelry): AAT: 300211902

plant-derived motifs: AAT: 300164599

foliation (pattern): AAT: 300165104

green (color): AAT: 300128438

From 1968: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, gift of the Hillcrest Foundation, purchased from Teochita, Inc., New York (Frances Pratt, dealer) [1], [2], [3]

[1] The main source for this provenance is Object Information Sheet (1968.3) (n.d., copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[2] The main source for this provenance is letter from Merrill C. Rueppel, Director of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, to William R. Eliassof, Vice President and Trust Officer, First National Bank in Dallas (dated April 19, 1968, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[3] The Dallas Art Association is the predecessor to the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts. The name was abandoned in 1970. Works from this collection were transferred to the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts. The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983.