Twin 'grumpy mouth' reliefs of Olmec contortionists discovered in Mexico

[Grim Reaper 6]

Archaeologists in Mexico have uncovered two Olmec reliefs chiseled into large, circular stones that are thought to depict local rulers performing ritual contortion.  The twin pieces were found in Tenosique, a town located in the state of Tabasco, near Mexico's southern tip, and are believed to feature rulers from the ancient Olmec civilization, whose name comes from the Aztec (Nahuatl) word "Ōlmēcatl," which means "rubber people." The Olmec reigned between 1200 B.C. to 400 B.C

Constructed of limestone, the massive 3D sculptures measure approximately 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in diameter and weigh 1,543 pounds (700 kilograms) each. The two carved monuments portray the faces of local rulers with their "grumpy mouth[s]" agape and their arms crossed, according to a translated statement. Each piece is punctuated by footprints, a diadem, corncobs, an Olmec cross and glyphs of jaguars, with the leaders' open mouths alluding to the "roar of the jaguar."

https://www.livescience.com/olmec-contortionist-reliefs-mexico

 

 

Edited August 11, 2022 by Grim Reaper 6