La Venta Offering 4

The Olmec offering consists of 16 jadeite figurines arranged in a specific, deliberate pattern facing a row of jade celts. The celts, which resemble polished axe heads, are lined up as if they are a wall or a structure facing the figurines. The figurines themselves represent both male and female figures made of various shades of green jade.

This archaeological deposit dates back to approximately the first millennium BCE, during the height of the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica. It was buried beneath the surface of the La Venta ceremonial center in what is now the Mexican state of Tabasco. This makes the offering nearly 3,000 years old.

The highly deliberate arrangement of the 16 figurines facing the celts is believed to represent a council or a significant mythological scene. Archaeologists think the scene depicts a meeting of rulers or a ritual communication with the gods. The orientation of the figures suggests they are paying homage to a specific figure or deity.

The original artifacts are primarily housed and displayed at the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City. Some related artifacts from the La Venta site are also displayed at the Parque-Museo La Venta in Villahermosa. These museums allow visitors to view the incredibly preserved jade carvings of the ancient Olmec civilization.