Olmecs

We explain who the Olmecs were and what their characteristics were. In addition, what was their religion, economy and more.

Who were the Olmecs?

The Olmecs formed the First civilization of Mesoamerica that lived in the lowlands of the Gulf of Mexicobetween the current states of Veracruz and Tabasco. They were the predecessors of other pre -Columbian cultures such as La Azteca, Tolteca and Maya. It is estimated that they inhabited the region between 1500 a. C. and 400 a. C.

What does “Olmeca” mean? The name with which they identified themselves is unknown. The word “Olmeca” is of Aztec origin and means “inhabitants of the rubber region” Because in that region the rubber trees abounded, from which the Olmecs extracted the substance of latex to make the rubber.

Although we have little information about the development of Olmeca civilization, its archaeological remains allow to affirm that It was one of the first societies with a complex political organizationwith different economic strata and great cultural production. His great influence reached later American civilizations, and that is why it is known as the “Mother Culture of Mesoamerica.”

Characteristics of the Olmecs

Olmecs were characterized by:

• Be considered “The mother culture” of the Mesoamerican region.
• Form one centralized political structure and divided into different social strata.
• Be the first Americans to build ceremonial buildings.
• Dominate the technique of carved on stone.
• Ritual or Ball game (solid rubber).
• Develop a calendar and writing systemprecursor of the hieroglyphs.
• Develop one Commercial network Throughout the Mesoamerican region.

Geographic location of the Olmeca civilization

Olmeca civilization It was developed on the plain of the coast of the Gulf of Mexicoin the current territories of Veracruz and Tabasco. It was a region of thick, warm and humid rainforest, crossed by numerous rivers and lagoons on which urban settlements were located.

Olmeca economy

The main economic activities of Olmeca civilization were agriculture, hunting, fishing and trade. Agricultural production focused on corn, beans and other vegetables, such as cassava. This production was made around the small villages where the majority of the Olmeca population lived.

Besides, They built large urban centers (such as San Lorenzo and La Venta) that they used for ceremonial purposes and in which the elite developed its activities. Olmec constructions and monuments demonstrate the advanced level of complexity and sophistication of their civilization.

According to archaeological evidence, olmec artifacts have been found (made with volcanic rock and with semi -precious stones, such as jade and obsidian), throughout the Mesoamerican region, which would indicate The existence of a wide commercial network.

Religion of the Olmecs

Olmeca religion was polytheistic. The Olmecs believed in the existence of different gods, those who related to elements of nature, such as corn (which was the basis of their diet), rain, volcanoes or fire. In addition, they believed in the divinity of some animals, such as jaguar, crocodile or eagle.

It is believed that the different lineages of rulers symbolized their power through the construction of monoliths (monuments with figures of gods carved in stone). In these sculptures, androgynous deities were highlighted (figures that had both male and female characteristics), which differentiated each other by representing certain elements of nature, such as:

• Corn Deity
• The spirit of rain
• The fish monster
• The Olmeca dragon with fire eyebrows

Religious ceremonies addressed to the gods, which They included offerings and ritualsThey were probably directed by the ruling elite, the priests, and took place in the ceremonial centers of the sale and San Lorenzo.

Olmec art and contributions

Through art, the Olmecs expressed their beliefs and their social order. Today numerous pieces survive that allow historians to understand the religion and political organization of this civilization.

Olmeca art included a wide variety of materials such as jade, clay and basalt (volcanic stone)which were carved to create images of nature and figures of anthropomorphic creatures (of human appearance) with thick lips and supporting corners, flat nose, eyes shaped like almonds and fleshy cheeks.

The most significant contribution left by the Olmeca culture are The colossal heads carved in basalt rocks, about 20 tons. These sculptures date from 900 a. C. And, until now, about 17 figures have been found. No head is equal to another: each one has a unique headdress, so it is believed to represent specific individuals.

To be able to make these pieces, the Olmecs moved the basalt rocks from the Sierra de los Tuxtlas de Veracruz to their region (it is still unknown how those transfers made), more than 80 kilometers away. These sculptures were distributed among the main Olmec urban centersand it is believed that they represented the power of the ruling families.

From some archaeological findings, it is believed that the Olmecs They were the first Americans to develop a hieroglyphic writing systemdating from 900 a. C. However, the set of symbols and glyphs has not yet been deciphered. Also, some historians consider that the Olmecs were the first Americans to create a calendar, since they had to use it for the organization of agriculture and religious ceremonies.

The disappearance of the Olmecs

The Olmeca population decreased abruptly between 400 and 350 a. C. Although there is no clear evidence about the reasons for their disappearance, archaeologists estimate that it had to do with the severe environmental changes they faced: the floods, the deviation of the river course of the region and the activity of the Xitle volcano were some of the main threats.

It is believed that these factors decreased the fertility of the earth and this situation forced the Olmecs to transfer their settlements, which caused them a gradual loss of strength and power.

Continue with:

• Quimbaya culture
• Toltec culture

References

• “The Olmec” in Khan Academy.
• “Where do Olmecs come from?” (Video) In curiously.
• “Olmec” in Encyclopaedia Britannica.
• “Olmeca Culture” at Universidad Veracruzana.
• López Austin, Alfredo; and López Luján, Leonardo (2001): The indigenous past. Mexico City: The College of Mexico.
• Duverger, Christian (1999): Mesoamerica, Art and Anthropology. Country: Conaculta-Landucci editors.
• Adams, Richard (1977): Prehistoric Mesoamerica. Boston: University of Oklahoma Press.