Created by the artists of the Olmec civilization, the "Earth Beast" sculpture returns to its original home
The sculpture, which is now known as the "Earth Beast," likely emerged from central Mexico in the 1960s
A massive stone sculpture created by Olmec artists more than 2,000 years ago, evoking ancient religious beliefs, has returned after decades in the United States, with officials and scholars rejoicing at its return home.
The sculpture, now known as the "Earth Beast", most likely came out of central Mexico in the 1960s, and stayed for a while in the hands of collectors and in public galleries, before it was found by anti-trafficking agents working with New York prosecutors.
The symbol-filled artifact weighs nearly a ton and was likely found several decades before it left Mexico at an archaeological site in the state of Morelos, just south of Mexico City.
US officials coordinated with their Mexican counterparts the process of returning the sculpture a few days ago.
The symbol-filled artifact weighs nearly a ton - the means of communication
The piece was carved from volcanic rock sometime between 800 and 400 B.C. during the height of the Olmec civilization, one of the oldest societies in Mexico, who lived in close proximity to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Olmec peoples were famous for their advanced artistic traditions, including colossal sculptures in the shape of human heads.
US officials coordinated with their Mexican counterparts the return of the Earth Beast sculpture a few days ago
The carving depicts a mythical mountain and the entrance to a cave with the shape of a cross, according to Mario Cordova, an Olmec archaeologist who traveled to the United States as part of efforts to recover the Earth Beast.
Some say the carving may have been used in rituals as a sacred passage.
Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard praised the sculpture's return to his country, saying before it arrived on a plane: "It gives us a glimpse into our origins."
Source : websites