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Jaguar Head Sculpture
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Jaguar Head Sculpture
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Jaguar Head Sculpture

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.04202011-44-1
Object Type Sculpture
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium wood (mahogany), metal, adhesive
DimensionsOverall H 19 1/2 in x W 24 1/4 in x D 11 1/4 in (49.5 cm x 61.6 cm x 28.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionWooden sculpture carved into the shape of a jaguar head on a wooden base with a gold-toned inscribed plaque on the angled side. The jaguar head and base are a reddish dark brown wood and the details of the jaguar head are a lighter brown wood.

Inscription on the plaque reads "The Jaguar Head Monuments from Western El Salvador, are a local contribution to early mesoamerican civilization. Dated as early as 200 B.C., they had a long tradition of veneration and use among the ancient population of the current departments of Ahuachapan, Sonsonate, and Santa Ana. This Cedar wood carvings offered by the Jaguar Head Archaeological Project' are inspired by the fine designs of these ancient sculptors."
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of an official state visit to El Salvador on March 22, 2011.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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