The National Mall in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Colossal Head 4 (replica)
Olmec Culture
— San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan, Veracruz, Mexico, 1200 - 900 B.C.E. —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 25, 2022
This portrait of an Olmec ruler is among 17 colossal heads known from one of the world's great ancient civilizations. Without wheels or iron tools, the Olmec created spectacular monumental sculptures and ceremonial centers on Mexico's Gulf Coast. In 1946, Smithsonian archaeologist Matthew W. Stirling excavated the 6-ton basalt original of this head, which is on display at the Museum of Anthropology in Xalapa, Veracruz.
Replica carved from welded volcanic ash by Ignacio Pérez Solano and presented to the Smithsonian Institution by the government of the state of Veracruz, Mexico and the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, October 2001.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Arts, Letters, Music • Native Americans. A significant historical month for this entry is October 2001.
Location. 38° 53.514′ N, 77° 1.586′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker is on Constitution Avenue Northwest (U.S. 50) just west of 10th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC 20224, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Colossal Head 4 (replica) (a few steps from this marker); Cedar of Lebanon (within shouting distance of this marker); Solomon G. Brown (within shouting distance of this marker); Pioneering Plants (within shouting distance of this marker); Equal Justice Under the Law (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); What Common Bird Species Live in DC Year-Round? (about 300 feet away); Our Tax Dollars (about 400 feet away); Petrified Wood (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. An identical marker stands a few feet away.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 25, 2022
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 89 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 25, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.