S3 E6 The Olmecs
The Olmecs are widely considered Mesoamerica’s “mother culture”. In this episode I’ll talk about that amazing civilization’s achievements and how recent discoveries may change what we think we know about them.
The Olmecs are widely considered Mesoamerica’s “mother culture”. In this episode I’ll talk about that amazing civilization’s achievements and how recent discoveries may change what we think we know about them.
Great podcast! I have been looking for olmecs everywhere, even at San Bartolo and Nakbe. Shall we have to start talking of a “sister” instead of a “mother” culture?
Agreed Miguel! Sister is a better option. Perhaps “Parent Culture” if that’s even a term.
Ed,
Great lecture entertaining and very informative. Not just food for thought but a banquet!
Besides Chiapa de Corzo in Chiapas, Mexico other Olmec or Olmecoid sites exist such as Chalcatzingo, Morelos and Teopantecuanitlan, Guerrero. San Jose Mogote, Oaxaca and the Soconuzco. Aguada Fenix is very intriguing to say the least.Thank you for mentioning these.
We need to have a cup soon, neighbor.
Cheers,
Logan
Do you know the exact location of Aguada Fenix? I’m very close I’m sure. I find myself in Coatzacoaco right now. Thank you. BTW the Archaeology museum in Xalapa as you know has a fabulous collection of Olmec sculptures and jade masks. What say you about still controversial Estela La Mojarra?
Gracias amigo.
Hey Logan – Definitely a coffee meet up is well overdue! I’m not sure exactly where Agua Fenix is, but I know it’s visible from the highway in between Villahermosa and Escarcega, about halfway on the south side. As for La Mojarra, I go with the conclusion that its Epi-Olmec and some form of Zoque language.
Hey Dr Barnhart: I’m a UT business graduate of 1990 and a Austin resident since 1975. Excited about my nephews foray into an Archaeologist Phd in Arkansas I thought I would see what the hub ub was concerning archeology. I just quite unexpectedly stumbled upon your Ancient Civilizations of North America class on Amazon and just finished your 24th lecture. Very impressive!!! I am retired now and would like to see what other offerings of your teaching may be available.
Please send any links etc. and I will gladly do my part to extend the care of our ancient civilizations.
Thanks,
Doug Wilson
niteflites@ me.com
Hi Doug,
Thanks for your kind words! Are you aware of my other three lecture series on Wondrium? They have a free 2 week trial. If you liked my North America series you’d probably like my others as well.
Deducing hereditary rulership from the Señor de las Limas statue seems tenuous. Why is the limp were-jaguar baby shown ‘lifeless’ (as elsewhere)? I’d propose that it represents the inner death-and-rebirth of the Olmec shaman. Just as the Moche puppy, shown copulating like an adult, is the Fanged Deity being reborn through esoteric sex. The Bhairava is worshipped in South Asia also in a stereotyped ‘infant’ (baṭuka) form, typically bereft of his otherwise terrifying features. The baldness may have applied only to the Olmec priestly class, which would imply that we have no statues of ordinary men,
Perhaps, it’s time to reconceptualize the notion of a ‘mother-culture”?
Not necessarily the oldest in absolute, but ever-contested, chronological sequence, but the civilization wielding the widest and deepest influence. Despite all these trade and architectural exchanges with Oaxaca, Central Mexico, Maya, etc., the Olmec clearly retained a distinctive culture, esp, as regards their religious iconography. Other localities which developed independently, such as Soconusco, subsequently adopted Olmec models. What is the likelihood of finding an earlier civilization claiming this title?