Many students of Mesoamerica consider the Olmec to be the “mother culture” of the region from which the Maya, Zapotecs, Toltecs, Aztecs, and others sprang. While this may be a controversial view, the achievements of these ancient people of the Mexican Gulf Coast are impressive. Mesoamerican art, writing, astronomy, and architecture seem to have their origins with the Olmec beginning around 1800 B.C. and lasting until about 400 B.C. Olmec influence soon spread throughout southern Mexico, as evidenced by their artistic style. In fact, art historians have had more luck defining this artistic style than archaeologists have had defining Olmec culture.
With this in mind, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the de Young Museum in San Francisco have assembled an impressive collection of some 100 pieces of Olmec art, including monuments, sculptures, adornments, masks, and vessels, many of which have never been seen outside of Mexico. This volume is the official catalog of the exhibit that runs through January 9, 2011 in Los Angeles and February 19 through May 8, 2011 in San Francisco.
Eight of the leading Olmec experts contributed essays for this book that covers every aspect of our knowledge of these ancient people. In the past 15 years, archaeologists have made impressive discoveries, and many of the mysteries of the Olmec are beginning to be unraveled. Prominent archaeological explorers of the big Gulf Coast sites of San Lorenzo, Tres Zapotes, and La Venta discuss the latest developments. Art historians add their insights and perspectives to the archaeological record.
Best of all are the large color plates of the exhibit’s 100 objects, including the colossal heads that are the most familiar trademark of Olmec art, and 16 small jadeite figurines found in a spectacular offering at La Venta. This volume is an outstanding contribution to Olmec literature, and the exhibition is an American milestone.
