La Venta

La Venta was one of the major ceremonial centers of the Olmec civilization—considered the first great culture of Mesoamerica. Located in what is now Tabasco, Mexico, its colossal stone heads and platform structures left a lasting impact on the artistic and spiritual traditions of later cultures like the Maya and Aztec.

This piece draws from that origin story. Carved from solid black walnut, its flared, floral-like form surrounds a darkened central face—a quiet nod to the iconic stone heads of La Venta. Fine pyrography and painted textures suggest volcanic stone and time-worn surfaces, blending reverence with tactile richness.