Cleared of the surrounding earth, it presented an awe-inspiring spectacle. Despite its great size the workmanship is delicate and sure, the proportions perfect. Unique in character among aboriginal American sculptures, it is remarkable for its realistic treatment. The features are bold and amazingly Negroid in character.

   Fully exposed to view for the first time in modern times, it still remains as great a mystery as ever, for it fits into no known American cultural picture. Approximately 6 feet high and 18 feet in circumference,it weighs over 10 tons.

   How was this great block of stone transported more than ten miles from its source near the base of Mount Tuxtla? This problem, which would tax the ingenuity of an engineer with benefit of modern machinery included crossing the 30-foot- deep gorge of the arroyo. The ancient engineers, however, performed the feat of quarrying a flawless block of basalt and transporting it in perfect condition without the aid of the wheel or domestic animals.