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What was the Olmec colossal head?

Quick Answer

An Olmec colossal head is a giant stone sculpture made by the ancient Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica. These heads were carved roughly between 1200 and 400 BCE.

The Full Story

The Olmec civilization created massive basalt heads in what is now Mexico, making them some of the most recognizable works of ancient American art. The heads are believed to represent rulers or elite individuals, each with distinct facial features and helmets. Some weigh many tons, showing the transport and carving skills of the Olmec people. These monuments are among the earliest monumental sculptures in the Americas and reflect a complex early civilization.

Key Facts

1.Made roughly between 1200 and 400 BCE
2.Carved from basalt
3.Among the earliest monumental sculptures in the Americas

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"Why ancient Mexico carved giant stone faces"

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