| dc.description.abstract | "America's first civilization," the Olmec, influenced the art and culture in Southern Mesoamerica. As one of the earliest identifiable cultural groups, the Olmec were the first to have a distinguishing style to their artwork including numerous prominent symbols, such as the jaguar, maize, and sacrifice. Many of the symbols found in the works of the Olmec can also be seen in the art of subsequent cultures, such as the Maya. With their continuous use in the region, the symbols that were originally distinctive of the Olmec, became Pan-Mesoamerican symbols or themes, seen in the works beyond the Olmec civilization. Ultimately, these themes were seen in many different types of art, including ceramics, monumental sculpture, and jade work. | |
