This relief presents one of the most dramatic episodes of Olmec mythology. The scene portrays a huge reptile, probably the acipactli or peje-lagarto (fish-gator or alligator gar), that partly conceals a postrate human figure. While the reptile may represent a mythical earth monster, probably a combination of earth and water symbolism, the role played by the human is enigmatic. The reptile here is represented with an open mouth, showing the characteristic folding fangs of the serpent and the tearing teeth of a shark. The body of the human figure is partly hidden from the thigh down by the snout of the aquatic animal. There is no way to know whether the animal is devouring or regurgitating the human figure, which seems to have lost consciousness or life, a situation that could suggest the idea of human sacrifice. The theme is unique in Olmec art. It could describe an allegorical genesis, or the subjugation of man by an earth-monster.
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