This exquisite Olmec jade mask, dating from 900 to 400 B.C., hails from ancient Mexico and reflects the remarkable artistry of the Olmec civilization, often regarded as Mesoamerica’s “mother culture.”

Carved from a single piece of rich green jade, the mask displays the Olmecs’ skill in rendering human features with both stylized abstraction and lifelike detail.

The serene expression, full lips, and almond-shaped eyes convey a sense of calm authority, possibly representing a deity, a high-ranking individual, or an ancestor. Small drilled holes around the edges suggest that it may have been worn or displayed as part of ceremonial or ritual attire.

Today, this masterpiece is preserved in the Vault of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it continues to inspire awe for its craftsmanship and the cultural sophistication of the Olmecs.