1. The first civilization of Mexico
Initial Formative
The Olmec
Preclassic Olmec-style figure. Veracruz.

2. Agenda Understanding social complexity Olmec foundations art
architecture
spiritual world

3. Initial Formative c.2000-1200 BC
During the Formative period agriculture and village life became established in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Early sites of importance include San Jose Magote in the Valley of Oaxaca and at Tierras Largas

5. Olmec culture in the Late Formative has all the elements of a mature culture: art styles, developed pottery, and architecturally impressive ceremonial centers, rubber …but who set the stage?
Before the Olmec, cultural groups began to organize around a central village.

6. “Chiefdom” Villages clustered around central village
Central village has civic/ceremonial structures
central village has larger population than surrounding villages
Implications: centralized authority
disparities in wealth measured in material goods and access to luxury items
social and economic disparities

7. Technology
Essentially neolithic; highly refined lithic tool kits based on mass produced blades/trade
pottery: numerous vessel forms suggesting specialized purposes
jewelry of precious metals and stone (jaditie)
house construction
stone civic architecture

8. Shared material culture traits
Stylistic variations in pottery help archaeologists locate culture spread, relationships and associations.
Artistic motifs in painting, design, and manufacture also provide evidence.
Similar deities and modes of homage indicate associations.

9. San Jose Magote 1150-850 BC (overlaps with early Olmec)
Large scale village in Oaxaca Valley
well made houses with stone foundation, wood frame and mud plaster with thatched roof on artificial platform(see page 123)
Ceremonial center of similar construction.

10. Important Olmec sites San Lorenzo (1200-900 BC) La Venta (900-400 BC)
several lesser sites

12. La Venta platform and plaza

15. Olmec achievements Invent rubber among the finest sculptors in history
design stone architecture with emphasis on celestial orientation
imported stone over long distance
Complex social and religious order
milpa agriculture
jade trade
evidence of complex structures of authority

16. Olmec mysteries Colossal heads Ball game Jaguar cult
carved figures…controversy (Who? Why?)
Ball game
ritual significance
Jaguar cult
anthrpomorphic babies in sculpture

18. See pages

19. Anthropomorphic axe. Jadite. Provenance not well established.
Jaguar and human baby composite. Common theme.

20. Recent considerations
Cranial deformation
Twin worship / duality
Relationship between Olmec and Zapotec at Monte Alban?

21. Cache of figures as found in ritual position. La Venta.
Deeply buried, figures standing near polished jade axes. Approx. 8 inches tall.
Evidence of cranial deformation.
How shall we interpret this scene?

22. Deformation brought about by binding the skull shortly after birth while skull is still soft and maintaining for a couple years.

23. Cranial deformation Also found among Maya; Nazca in Peru
Some evidence that it was isolated to those of elite status, not the whole population.
We can not say with certainty it was a mark of beauty.

25. Preclassic style pottery figurine, from Tlatilco, Mexico City
Preclassic style pottery figurine, from Tlatilco, Mexico City. Comparative figurine.