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Olmec Civilization
The Olmec civilization was one of several
cultures that rose to prominence in Mesoamerica. Like the Aztecs and Maya who
followed them, the Olmec inhabited areas of present-day Mexico. Olmec culture
influenced many other Mesoamerican cultures, providing the invention of the
Mesoamerican calendar, the ball game, writing, and the invention of the zero as
a mathematical function.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the Olmec practiced
bloodletting, possibly as a rite of sacrifice to their gods.
Giving blood would allow a "victim" the chance
to donate time and time again. The issue of human sacrifice
is cloudier. While other cultures show ritual sacrifice
in art and other artifacts, no such clues have been found
in Olmec culture. Skeletons of infants have been found at
El Manati, an ancient Olmec site; however, the cause of
death of these children remains unknown.
The Olmecs developed a writing system that
predated the Zapotec system by at least 150 years, and possibly up to 400
years. Olmec writing was hieroglyphic in nature, with symbols used instead of
letters. There are similarities to later Mayan hieroglyphs, leading to
speculation as to whether Olmec writing led to Mayan writing. In any case, more
evidence is needed before conclusions can be drawn.
Hematite is a naturally magnetic stone. An Olmec artifact of
hematite, complete with a sighting mark, may be an early
compass– and it actually works! John Carlson, an American
astronomer, believes that the Olmec used compasses over
3000 years ago, possibly to orient the direction of buildings,
for the living and the dead.
The Mesoamerican ball game is the source of
much speculation. This game has been played using rubber balls for over three
thousand years. The Olmecs played it, and passed it on to the Maya, the Aztec,
and other cultures. It is believed that the galme had both religious and
recreational purposes. Balls have been found alongside sacrificial items,
suggesting ritual uses for the game.
Olmec art forms include both statues and small statuettes
of jadeite. Most is highly stylized, although some art could
also be very natural. Perhaps the most striking example
of Olmec art comes from the colossal heads, carved from
volcanic basalt. Each head is individual, with unique features.
Headdresses are likewise unique, offering the intriguing
possibility that each head represents a different person–ancient
kings, perhaps, or star ball players. To date, only 17 heads
have been found, though some of these monuments were ÒrecycledÓ,
made into new statues.
Little is known of the political, social,
and religious life of the Olmecs. Few artifacts have been found, and the
language remains frustratingly enigmatic. Between 400-350 B.C., the Olmec all
but disappeared. Traces of their influence in mathematics, astronomy, and
writing can be traced through subsequent civilizations.
By 400 B.C., the Olmec culture was gone.
A colossal head of the Olmec culture. This
one measures nearly 9 feet tall. Photo.
The heartland of the Olmec culture in
present-day Mexico.
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