Book

The Olmec world

University of California Press • Berkeley • Published In 1969 • Pages:

By: Bernal, Ignacio.

Abstract

Bernal examines the distribution of Olmec stylistic traits and sites, defining a 'Metropolitan Olmec Area,' as well as specific 'Colonial Olmec' sites outside that core area, and a broader region with diffuse 'Olmecoid' characteristics. Accordingly, the work is organized into three major sections: 1) an excellent description of major sites and finds in the core area; 2) a general interpretation of Olmec culture; and 3) a relatively uncritical review of evidence for the diffusion of the Olmec style throughout Mesoamerica. The pattern of evidence is taken as proof of the primacy of the Olmec in the development of Mesoamerican civilization (in part by setting the initial date for Olmec a century earlier than the corresponding Preclassic period in the Central Highlands of Mexico).

HRAF PubDate

2000

Region

Middle America and the Caribbean

Sub Region

Central Mexico

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

Leon G. Doyon ; 2006

Field Date

unknown

Coverage Date

3500 BP-2100 BP

Coverage Place

Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama (Mesoamerica and Central America)

Notes

by Ignacio Bernal ; translated by Doris Heydon and Fernando Horcasitas

jaguar cult - use 'CONGREGATIONS (794)'

Includes bibliographical references (p. 195-208) EL MUNDO OLMECA, first published in Mexico City by Porrúa Hermanos, 1968

LCCN

68013351

LCSH

Olmecs