Assyrian Relief with Winged Genius, Walters Art Museum, Wikimedia
La Venta, Mexico, Olmec Monument 19, Photo by Audrey and George Delange, Wikimedia
B.L. Freeborn, February 2013
Once in a while it is nice to spot a co-incidence that leads us to new understanding. Illustrated here are two stone reliefs from two different hemispheres of the world. The Assyrian relief, (Ancient Iraq), on the left, is dated to 880 – 859 BC. The Olmec relief, (Ancient Mesoamerica), on the right, is dated to 1200 to 400 BC.
Notice these similarities between these detailed works of art. The giant carries in his hand a square purse. His hand is depicted with four fingers up. The Olmec man is holding a nearly identical purse with four fingers up as well.
The giant holds in his right hand a pine cone/egg shaped object. The Olmec man sits in an accentuated curved pose with feet outstretched to the rear in a manner which imitates the egg shape.
The giant is winged and strong. The feathered serpent wrapped around the man is equally fierce.
It is as if these two artists are using the exact same symbols to describe the same story. It might also be indisputable proof that these two cultures were in communication and contemporary to each other.
When used in Assyrian art it is said the purse holds magic dust. When depicted in Olmec art they postulate it contains herbs for getting high. Could it actually be a weight such as in a standard of measure? If it is, why would this become an important part of a story on two continents?
An actual purse has been found! See it here.
noahsage 