3D Tour: Olmec Head, San Lorenzo Monument 3
Olmec Head: San Lorenzo Monument 3
Location: Museo de Antropología de Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
Size: 1.78 meters (5.8 ft) high, 1.63 meters (5.3 ft) wide, and 0.95 meters (3.1 ft) deep
Weight: 9.4 tons
Age: Early Formative Period (1200–900 BCE)
Originally Found: San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán, Veracruz, Mexico
Material: Basalt
San Lorenzo Monument 3 is located in the Museo de Antropología de Xalapa. Carved from basalt and weighing over 9 tons, it has a furrowed brow, and signature thick, slightly parted lips. The headdress features coded bands that cover the ears.
Discovered in 1946, Monument 3 was found face down in a deep gully, partially buried. This massive sculpture adds another link to San Lorenzo’s curious and ancient world.
Distinctive Features
Monument 3 has bold facial proportions and a unique expression that sets it apart from other Olmec heads. The thick lips, well-defined eyelids, and slightly downturned mouth suggest a serious, almost solemn look. Unlike some Olmec sculptures with softer features, this head appears to depict a figure of great authority, possibly a ruler or an important figure in society.
Intriguing Headdress Design
The headdress on Monument 3 is unlike many others, featuring layered bands wrapping around the head and extending downward to completely cover the ears. This design suggests an elaborate style, possibly symbolizing status or rank. The presence of small, intentional pits carved into the lower front section raises further questions—were they decorative, symbolic, or added later for ritual purposes?
San Lorenzo Monument 9, Olmec Head 3D Scan
Explore the 3D model in detail using this interactive viewer—rotate, zoom, and pan to view from every angle:
Excavation and Study
Uncovered in 1946, Monument 3 was found lying face down, partially buried in a deep gully. Its position and condition made excavation a challenge, but once unearthed, it provided archaeologists with valuable insight into Olmec stonework and transportation techniques. The head was later moved to the Museo de Antropología de Xalapa, where it has been preserved for study and public viewing.
From the Visitor Sign
Colossal Head No. 3
Origin: San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán, Veracruz
Culture: Olmec
Time Period: 1200-900 B.C.The facial features of this figure are very different from the others, and some even believe it represents a woman. The headdress consists of four tied cords, and there are visible holes or perforations, which in Olmec times were used as a form of intentional mutilation. Another unique characteristic is that the headdress extends into a sort of cord-like structure toward the ears.
Experience It in Person
Seeing Monument 3 in person is an entirely different experience than looking at pictures. Its size, presence, and intricate details truly come to life when you stand before it. The Museo de Antropología de Xalapa holds one of the finest collections of Olmec artifacts, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about the legacy of Mesoamerica’s first great civilization.
Let us know what you think about this Olmec head. Have you seen it in person or want to see it? Let us know in the comments below.
Otherwise, check out the other Olmec 3D Scans
Part of the MEC Luke Caverns Olmec Tour