San Lorenzo Colossal Head

This large colossal head was found on the San Lorenzo site in 1945 by Matthew Stirling's guide. Stirling was an American ethnologist, archaeologist and later an administrator at several scientific institutions in the field, best known for his discoveries relating to the Olmec civilization. Excavated by Stirling and his team in 1946, this colossal head was found laying on its back. It is known as either the San Lorenzo colossal head 2, or San Lorenzo monument 2. The figure is well proportions and is wearing a classic 'football' style helmet which is engraved with three bird heads. There is some slight weathering and damage on the head, particularly around the lips where the surface is considerably pockmarked. Its weight is estimated to be 20 tons.