
Clay and History
Sala
Early archaeological research at La Venta focused on uncovering monumental sculptures and finely crafted greenstone objects. These discoveries gave the site an iconic status in Mexican archaeology and earned it global recognition.
Despite intermittent research at La Venta since 1925, the site continues to reveal a rich cultural heritage. It is essential for current and future generations to support the protection, conservation, study, and sharing of knowledge about one of ancient Mexico’s most influential civilizations.
This collection of fired clay vessels and figurines offers a glimpse into the world of Olmec pottery traditions at La Venta. Due to their abundance, these artifacts are key to understanding the site's cultural history, its shifts over time, and its connections to other regions. The vessels reflect the Olmec potters’ taste for simple yet elegant forms, while the figurines amaze with their portrait-like quality—each one is unique, revealing hairstyles and even physical traits of the people they represent.
