I acquired the figurine seen in this message’s attachment in 1976. At that time, I was studying in Mexico and on break from classes. I traveled to Oaxaca where I visited the Zapotecan ruins at Monte Alban. While there I was recruited to assist in translating by a Brooklyn, NY native -also visiting the archaeological site. After business had been concluded I was invited by the driver to his Arizola home. When not ferrying people to the ruins the cabbie grew corn in the shadows of Monte Alban. It was during my visit at the cab driver's home that I acquired the “Jade Man.” The figurine’s form shares consistencies with cranial manipulations that the archeological record suggest was a practice of The Olmec. In the capital city of the state of Vera Cruz, Jalapa, where I resided for six months during this period, twin form similar monoliths framed the entrance to the city’s museum. It is believed the center of the Olmec civilization existed in the region in and around Jalapa, Vera Cruz. The figurine’s discovery in the state of Oaxaca suggests that the Olmec traveled long distances in the pursuit of trade and probably more. A local archeologist in my community, (PhD and college professor), with broad knowledge of Central American jade figurines, postulated that the figurine was 1600+ years old and of the finest jade known, Imperial. A sharp knife or scissors does not scratch the figurine.

3 inches tall