Seated transformation figure,

900–600 B.C.

The Olmec ruler-shaman represented in this small jadeite sculpture has almost completely changed into his jaguar alter-ego. His body is thoroughly feline, although it lacks a tail. He sits on his haunches, with his front legs extended directly below his still humanoid head. In typical Olmec fashion, the mouth of this supernaturally charged figure is rendered with thick, downward-turning lips. His skull is narrow and elongated, indicating intentional cranial alteration or the physical transition into the shape of a jaguar's head. Modeling around the lower lip and eyes suggests that the figure is snarling. As is common in Olmec jade carving, the drill holes used to begin relief carving are clearly evident at the corners of the mouth, eyes, and nostrils. The dark-green jadeite mottled with white spots may have been used to mimic the pelt of a spotted jaguar.