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
Nestled in the Museo Regional Tuxteco, Olmec Head Tres Zapotes Monument Q is a captivating example of Olmec artistry. Weighing approximately 8.5 tons, this colossal head boasts deep-set features that exude strength and character. Its standout headdress—adorned with a front ornament and seven plaits of hair tied with tassels—sets it apart as a unique masterpiece among Olmec heads. Discovered in the 1940s and relocated to the museum in 1951, this ancient sculpture continues to intrigue visitors with its bold design and remarkable preservation.
A Face That Commands Attention
Tres Zapotes Monument Q is renowned for its striking facial features: deep-set eyes, a broad nose, and a powerful jawline. The creases around its nose and mouth enhance its intense expression, making it one of the most commanding Olmec heads ever discovered. Archaeologists and historians speculate that these detailed features may represent a revered leader or a figure of significant status in Olmec society, adding to its historical allure.
The Distinctive Headdress of Monument Q
What truly distinguishes Tres Zapotes Monument Q is its elaborate headdress. Unlike other Olmec heads, it features a prominent front ornament and seven intricately carved plaits of hair, secured with tassels at the back. This unique design sparks curiosity—was it inspired by a real hairstyle worn by Olmec elites, or does it carry deeper symbolic meaning? Whatever the intent, this headdress makes Monument Q a standout artifact in Olmec archaeology.
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 Nestepe Hill to Museo Regional Tuxteco
Unearthed in the 1940s during land clearing on Nestepe Hill, Tres Zapotes Monument Q was one of several colossal heads found in the region. In 1951, it was carefully transported to the Museo Regional Tuxteco, ensuring its protection and accessibility. This relocation preserved the monument’s pristine condition while allowing visitors to marvel at its craftsmanship up close. Today, it remains a testament to the Olmec civilization’s advanced stone-carving techniques.
Why Is It Called Monument Q?
Unlike the numbered Olmec heads of San Lorenzo, Tres Zapotes Monument Q earned its name from early excavation records. Archaeologists assigned letters to some monuments at Tres Zapotes, possibly to distinguish them within the site’s extensive discoveries. This naming convention highlights the intricate history of Olmec head excavations, where different sites and researchers adopted unique cataloging systems for these awe-inspiring sculptures.
Visit Tres Zapotes Monument Q in Person
There’s no substitute for witnessing the grandeur of an Olmec head firsthand. If you’re traveling near Santiago Tuxtla, a stop at the Museo Regional Tuxteco is a must. Tres Zapotes Monument Q offers a window into ancient Olmec culture, blending mystery, artistry, and history. Seeing this colossal head in person is an unforgettable experience that brings the past to life.
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