El Azuzul

El Azuzul is an Olmec archaeological site in Veracruz, Mexico, a few kilometers south of the San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán complex and generally considered contemporary with it (perhaps 1100 to 800 BCE).

These statues were found on the south side of the large pyramid/hill on the site, intact and apparently undisturbed since they were placed there in Pre-Classic times.

The first pair of statues, described as "some of the greatest masterpieces of Olmec art",[1] are nearly identical seated human figures.

[6] The humans are similar to other Olmec sculpture, in particular San Martin Pajapan Monument 1, where a young lord also attempts to lift a ceremonial bar.

In addition to the large pyramid/hill, a long causeway or dike was constructed along the waterway, possibly functioning as a levee and/or wharf.

The Olmec heartland, showing the location of El Azuzul in relation to San Lorenzo and other Olmec sites.
The "twins" at El Azuzul.
A photo of the sculptures in situ , as they were discovered, with the "twins" facing off against the jaguar. The sculptures have since been moved to Xalapa.