Photos

The Olmec Culture is viewed as the mother culture of Mesoamerica. It flourished at La Venta, in the west of Tabasco State just south of the Gulf of Mexico, during the period 1000 to 400 BCE. The site was regarded at the time as the most powerful and holy place in the Olmec heartland. It was built on an island and subject to the heavy rains characteristic of the low-lying landscape. Buildings were constructed atop mounds with a natural elevation of 20m to guard against floods.

On the day I visited, I was unable to escape a deluge that fortunately eased after some 15 or so minutes. I slogged through the fields to take the photos that I intend to upload. I am well aware that what I photographed may not be original, but a replica or reproduction. My photos are original and I will indicate where they were taken. This large Olmec head is positioned near the entrance to the museum. These were made of basalt brought over a distance from the Tuxtla Mountains. I can only indicate that these images may be of (1) important people; (2) a ballplayer as suggested by a form of helmet reaching over the brow; (3) a priest. This is Cabeza #1 (1 of 4 on site) and the numbering system is not mine.

Geo coordinates for La Venta are: 18.06.11.92N and 94.02.27.21W. Average elevation is 35 metres. The site runs in a north-south direction, and is located 120 kms west of Villahermosa on a reasonable highway.