Olmec Art/Architecture
Colossal Head of the Olmecs - It is the most prominent feature of the Olmec Culture. They are believed to be the designed after their leaders. Although each colossal head has its own unique characteristic, they all resemble native Africans and wore headdresses which represented different aspect of nature. 8 were discovered in San Lorenzo, 4 in La Venta, and 2 in Tres Zapotes. When discovered, these heads seemingly had been purposely broken in some parts and buried in the ground, this odd practice led some experts to believe there was a revolution in San Lorenzo, or it was a part of their religious practice. The Peculiar thing about these stone heads is that they were all carved of stone and in order to transport these giant basalt heads, the Olmecs used rafts and logs to roll them through the jungle.
Jaguar God - In its truest form, this deity was believed to be the Earth God, but he preferred to take the form of a jaguar. It is speculated that he has taken this form due to the Jaguars control over two of the most respected aspects of nature in Olmec society : water and land. All things terrestrial and celestial succumbed to this mighty god. The importance of this deity is reflected in the Olmec art, in fact, during many of their spiritual rituals they believed that shamans transformed into jaguars. This deity is also seen in the Chavin culture, for example the Snarling god that took a feline form (seen below).
King wearing the headdress of the Maize God - Praying to the Maize God within the Olmec Civilization was believed to lead to the abundance of crops. In the Olmec Era, kings believed that wearing the supreme deity's symbol would lead to a bountiful harvest. Although today many would regard the idea of a "Corn God" silly, in the Olmec society, agriculture and particularly corn/maize was a vital part of their civilization.
Arena of the Olmec Ball Game - Hundreds of these arenas are found throughout Mesoamerica. Primarily these courts were 120 by 30 feet long, and the game involved trying to throw a 6-10 pound rubber ball through a ring to earn points. The winner received honor while loser was sacrificed to the gods.
Olmec Temple - The architecture of the temple resembles prominent physical features found throughout nature; for example, this temple is very similar to the structure of a mountain. The Olmec culture was closely linked to nature. They believed that there were portals to the spirit world hidden in different sites
Chavin Art/Architecture
Jaguar God of Chavin - Just like the Olmecs, the Chavins had a similar worship of the jaguar. The jaguar had complete dominance over land and water. To respect the gods, the Chavins constructed sculptures using their unique style of art that was popular around the world at the time.
Staff God - One of the three identifiable gods found within the Old Temple. The pillar (Raimondi Stone) in which it was carved into was moved from its original position at the Old Temple to a currently unknown location.
Caiman God - One of the three identifiable gods found withn the ruins of the Old Temple. During the times of its peak, it was carved on the Tello Obelisk and also relocated to a unknown position.
Sketch of the Old Temple - The Old Temple was a central part to Chavin society because it served as a focal point of worship and authority. The Chavins later built the New Temple by redesigning and enlarging a part of the Old Temple.
New Temple Remains - The New Temple, just like its predecessor, served as a center of religion and power. Even to this day, nobody knows who designed such a cultural landmark or the true purpose of its construction.