3D Tour: Olmec Head, Tres Zapotes Monument Q
Olmec Head: Tres Zapotes Monument Q
Location: Museo Regional Tuxteco, Santiago Tuxtla, Veracruz, Mexico
Size: 1.45 meters (4.8 ft) high, 1.34 meters (4.4 ft) wide, and 1.26 meters (4.1 ft) deep
Weight: 8.5 tons
Age: Middle Formative Period (900–500 BCE)
Originally Found: Nestepe Hill, near Tres Zapotes, Veracruz, Mexico
Material: Basalt
Tres Zapotes Monument Q resides in the Museo Regional Tuxteco. Weighing about 8.5 tons, it has deep-set features that give it a bold look. Its headdress is unique, featuring a front ornament and seven plaits of hair tied with tassels in the back.
Discovered in the 1940s on Nestepe Hill, it was moved to the museum in 1951. Its distinct design and well-preserved details make it one of the more fascinating Olmec heads around.
A Striking Face
Tres Zapotes Monument Q stands out with its deep-set eyes, broad nose, and strong jawline. The creases around the nose and mouth add to its intense expression, making it one of the more commanding Olmec heads. Some believe the details in its face suggest it was meant to depict a powerful leader or figure of high status.
A Headdress Like No Other
The headdress on this head is unlike most others, featuring a front ornament and seven plaits of hair tied off with tassels. This level of detail raises questions—was it a representation of an actual hairstyle, or did it hold some symbolic meaning? Either way, it adds a unique touch that sets this head apart from the rest.
Tres Zapotes Monument Q, Olmec Head 3D Scan
Explore the 3D model in detail using this interactive viewer—rotate, zoom, and pan to view from every angle:
From Discovery to Preservation
Originally found during land clearing on Nestepe Hill in the 1940s, Monument Q was one of several colossal heads unearthed in the region. By 1951, it was relocated to the Museo Regional Tuxteco, where it has been carefully preserved. The move allowed more people to see it up close while protecting it from the elements.
Why Monument Q?
Unlike many Olmec heads labeled with numbers, Tres Zapotes Monument Q got its name from the excavation records of early archaeologists. Instead of following a strict numerical order like the San Lorenzo heads, some Tres Zapotes monuments were assigned letters, likely to differentiate them within the site’s broader findings. The naming system reflects the complex history of Olmec discoveries, where different sites and researchers used varying methods to catalog these massive stone sculptures.
See It for Yourself
There’s nothing quite like standing in front of one of these colossal heads and seeing the incredible craftsmanship firsthand. If you’re ever in Santiago Tuxtla, don’t miss the chance to visit the Museo Regional Tuxteco. Monument Q is a fascinating piece of history, and seeing it in person is an experience you won’t forget.
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