El Negro and head two braids likely depict quetzal feathers and spider monkeys, not Africans. Only one Olmec head (head two from Tres Zapotes) has potential braids El Negro and head two date to Epi-Olmec levels after 500 BCE, roughly 1,000 years after Olmec civilization began The 'braids' on head two come off the top of the helmet, resembling quetzal feathers more than hair
Two controversial Olmec sculptures have sparked debate over whether they show humans with African features. New analysis suggests El Negro actually depicts a spider monkey spirit being, and head two's 'braids' are quetzal feathers from a helmet rather than hair. Scholars note Olmec art frequently transformed humans into animals and back.
Key Facts
- Only one Olmec head (head two from Tres Zapotes) has potential braids
- El Negro and head two date to Epi-Olmec levels after 500 BCE, roughly 1,000 years after Olmec civilization began
- The 'braids' on head two come off the top of the helmet, resembling quetzal feathers more than hair
- El Negro (Sterling Monument F) is a tenon stone designed to protrude from a building facade
- La Venta Monument 56, nicknamed 'the monkey,' has a similar afro-looking hair carved into its head
- Spider monkeys in Maya and Aztec art display diagnostic white facial coloring with black hair on top and a widow's peak
- Scholars suggest El Negro depicts a spider monkey rather than a human of African descent
- Olmec art frequently transforms humans into animals and back
Source: New Olmec Theories ? by Archaeologist Ed Barnhart