Civilization!!

                                                         ` The Olmecs, the “Mother Culture,” flourished in the southern region of Mesoamerica during 1500– 400BC.Mesoamerica includes Mexico, parts of Honduras, parts of Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Belize.` “Olmec” is not the original name; called Olmec later.Art denotes harmony, spiritual force, contemplation without metal tools The Jaguar is considered a sacred animal The serpent is depicted in art Jade masks.Over 250 million slaves brought to Mexico Most intermarried into the culture ` Caste paintings illustrate 16 combinations of intermarriage (developed by the Spanish) ` Stereotypical representations.Family is a combination of African and Mayan. Africans brought their version of the instrument with ''G'' cords for resonators.Importation of Africans began in 1501, authorized by Spain By 1793, the number of slaves had declined, but the majority had mixed with whites and Indians