*Hache votive

representing the god of corn. The head, rectangular and massive, seems to sink directly into the bust. The face has a pronounced zoomorphic appearance. The trapezoidal mouth is wide open and the upper lip is turned up, revealing the gum. The lower lip is hemmed. The corners of the mouth are rounded, hollowed out and pulled downwards. The nose is flattened and touches the raised upper lip. The almond-shaped eyes are indicated by an incision; the superciliary arches, also incised, are in the continuation of the sinusoidal features. The body, truncated cone-shaped, is schematized. It is presented as a rectangular mass on which we can distinguish the traces of the arms, hands and fingers of the figure. In the centre of his bust, a wide belt holds a double rectangular loincloth. Metamorphic rock composed of calcic amphiboles belonging to the actinote series, diffuse presence of iron oxide Olmec - Veracruz, Mexico, 900 - 600 B.C. Top of the head, left side restored at a bevel 25.8 x 13.6 x 8 cm Provenance : - Former Alfred Stendhal collection, (Ca) 1960 - Certificate of authenticity issued by Hasso von Winning since March 1973 An analysis of the M.S.M.A.P. Laboratory will be given to the buyer. Lot presented under the temporary importation regime Associated with the terrestrial world and the inframundo, the god of corn is one of the most important deities of the Olmec pantheon and symbolizes fertility, fecundity and rebirth. The almond-shaped, slanted eyes with ascending outer tips are one of the characteristics that identify the god of corn. The mouth, whose upper lip is projected forward, like that of a roaring feline, is a graphic convention used by the Olmecs to designate the divine and supernatural character of a representation. To this are added some of the characteristic attributes of the god of corn. We recognize among others the famous slit at the top of the head. This frontal slit is typical of the god of corn and refers to the slit visible on the top of the corn kernel from which the germ of the plant can emerge. These iconographic codes can be identified on other sculptures such as the axes reproduced below. This axe is distinguished by its iconography, which focuses on the symbolism of the corn kernel. Indeed, the latter carries its own seed. It thus appears as a true symbol of prosperity as well as a promise of immortality and eternal life. It is undoubtedly an icon of Olmec art, which as an important ritual object is endowed with symbolic richness and immeasurable power.