Olmec Colossal Heads

Type Object Region Mesoamerica Time c. -1200–-400

Olmec colossal heads are iconic artworks of the Olmec culture, carved from basalt at Gulf Coast sites such as San Lorenzo and La Venta between about …

Timeline

c. -1200–-900San Lorenzo · VeracruzThe Olmec carved the earliest group of colossal basalt heads at San Lorenzo, displaying distinctive helmets, facial features and superb stone transport and working techniques.
c. -900–-400La Venta · TabascoLa Venta became an important Olmec ceremonial center, with multiple colossal heads arranged along plazas and building complexes, reinforcing rulers' authority and religious symbolism and influencing later Mesoamerican monumental art.

Sources

Olmec Art and Archaeology in Mesoamerica — John E. Clark and Mary E. Pye (2000)
The Olmecs: America's First Civilization — Richard A. Diehl (2004)