---
title: Olmec Stone Head, La Venta
author: Dennis Jarvis
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2407/olmec-stone-head-la-venta/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# Olmec Stone Head, La Venta
_Authored by Dennis Jarvis_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2407.jpg)
## Image Caption
An [Olmec](https://www.worldhistory.org/Olmec_Civilization/) colossal stone head in basalt from La Venta, c. 1200-400 BCE. Although all wear the hat or headdress worn during [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) and the Mesoamerican ballgame, each of these massive heads has unique features which suggests they depict specific Olmec rulers. In this example talons decorate the headgear.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Jarvis, D. (2014, March 19). Olmec Stone Head, La Venta. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Jarvis, Dennis. "Olmec Stone Head, La Venta." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 19, 2014. .
### MLA
Jarvis, Dennis. "Olmec Stone Head, La Venta." *World History Encyclopedia*, 19 Mar 2014, .
## License & Copyright
[](http://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/2214692936/sizes/o/in/photolist-4nGT3Y-4nGT8m-4nGTgG-4nH19W-4nH1cQ-4nH1gy-4nH1k9-4nH1o7-4nH39G-4nH3d1-4nH3fW-4nH3r1-4nH3wL-4nH3BC-4nH3Ds-4NN2ZS-5Cq161-5YqGvu-5ZgFJD-5ZgFNZ-5ZkTkj-63eg6F-6G1vGE-7xaUgz-9V5GdA-cQpgy3-9V2Tye/)This image was first published on [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com). [Original image](http://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/2214692936/sizes/o/in/photolist-4nGT3Y-4nGT8m-4nGTgG-4nH19W-4nH1cQ-4nH1gy-4nH1k9-4nH1o7-4nH39G-4nH3d1-4nH3fW-4nH3r1-4nH3wL-4nH3BC-4nH3Ds-4NN2ZS-5Cq161-5YqGvu-5ZgFJD-5ZgFNZ-5ZkTkj-63eg6F-6G1vGE-7xaUgz-9V5GdA-cQpgy3-9V2Tye/) by [**Dennis Jarvis**](http://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/2214692936/sizes/o/in/photolist-4nGT3Y-4nGT8m-4nGTgG-4nH19W-4nH1cQ-4nH1gy-4nH1k9-4nH1o7-4nH39G-4nH3d1-4nH3fW-4nH3r1-4nH3wL-4nH3BC-4nH3Ds-4NN2ZS-5Cq161-5YqGvu-5ZgFJD-5ZgFNZ-5ZkTkj-63eg6F-6G1vGE-7xaUgz-9V5GdA-cQpgy3-9V2Tye/). Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 19 March 2014. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon a work even for commercial reasons, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.