Olmec

(noun)

Ancient pre-Columbian people living in the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico, in what are roughly the modern-day states of Veracruz and Tabasco.

Related Terms

  • Preclassic period
  • In situ
  • earspools

Examples of Olmec in the following topics:

  • Colossal Heads of the Olmec

    • The first major Mesoamerican art, that of the Olmec, emerged during the Preclassic period along the Gulf of Mexico.
    • While Olmec figurines are found abundantly in sites throughout the Formative period, monumental works of basalt sculpture, including colossal heads, altars, and seated figures are the most recognizable feature of Olmec culture.
    • Seventeen confirmed examples are known from four sites within the Olmec heartland on the Gulf Coast of Mexico.
    • This is the only known example from outside the Olmec heartland.
    • It is believed that the Olmec colossal heads are depictions of powerful rulers.
  • Cultures of Mesoamerica

    • Mesoamerica was dominated by 3 cultures in the Pre-Classical (up to 200CE) to Post-Classical periods (circa 1580 CE): the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec.
    • There are three cultures that dominated the pre-columbian history of Mesoamerica: the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec civilizations.
    • The Olmec civilization, which flourished from 1200–400 BCE, defines the Pre-Classical period; the Olmecs are generally considered the forerunner of all later Mesoamerica cultures including the Maya and Aztecs.
    • Made from basalt rock from the Tuxtla mountains to the north, the Olmec used this rock to create altars, stelae, and colossal heads.
    • Each colossal head is rendered as a distinct individual and are thought to resemble different Olmec rulers.
  • Timeline

    • 1200 BCE: Olmecs build earliest pyramids and temples in Central America.
  • Teotihuacan

    • The flat, angular, abstract style, typical of Teotihuacan art, is in marked contrast to the curvilinear style of Olmec art.
  • Art of the Maya

    • Strong cultural influences stemming from the Olmec tradition and from Teotihuacan contributed to the development of the Maya city center and the culture's Classic artistic tradition.
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