Known as the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica, the Olmec civilization flourished on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico between ca. 1200 and 400 BCE. Archaeologists have identified three important Olmec sites. San Lorenzo, in the modern Mexican state of Veracruz, was at its height ca. 1150–900 BCE. La Venta, east of San Lorenzo in the state of Tabasco, reached its apogee ca. 900–500 BCE. Farther north, in the Tuxtla Mountains of Veracruz, the site of Tres Zapotes emerged as a regional power after the dominance of La Venta began to wane.

Olmec art is best known for colossal sculpted heads. Carved out of basalt imported over long distances, these portray stoic faces with individualized, helmet-like headgear. Sixteen heads, ranging from 1.47 to 3.4 meters in height and weighing between 6 and 25 tons, have been recovered from the three main Olmec sites. Jade was also highly valued by the Olmecs. Artists carved it into figurines, masks,  votive axes, and items of personal adornment. Web resources here and here.

Colossal head, from San Lorenzo, Mexico. Basalt. Olmec. Before 900 BCE. Museo de Antropología de Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.