This Olmec art course is a journey into the jungles of the Black Jaguar, Ex Balam. We will study and enjoy the art produced by this mysterious and long forgotten culture. It is a culture that through its art influenced all the subsequent cultures that emerged in Mesoamerica.I grew up exploring, playing, finding and wondering at these monumental and exquisite works of art from the past. And have continued to date to study, marvel and enjoy the art produced by these people. So, I bring you direct knowledge and contact with the Olmec and their unique, beautiful and mystifying art. During my career I have received three Senior Scholar Fulbright awards as part of my continued study, research and enjoyment of Olmec art and architecture. Central Deity, Tenocique, Tabasco. The were-jaguar was both an Olmec motif and a supernatural entity, perhaps a deity. The were-jaguar motif is characterized by almond-shaped eyes, a downturned open mouth, and a cleft head. The Central Deity and the Evolution of Mesoamerican

Maize Deity

The evolution of Mesoamerican rain and maize gods:

Left, the Zapotec and Mixtec deities;

Center, the Central Mexican Tlaloc;

Right, the Maya Chaak;

Bottom center, the Olmec Maize deity.

Olmec Art

Lectures

1.Welcome and Table of Contents

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2.The Olmec Heartland

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3.The Central Deity

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4.Figurative Art

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5.The Proportions of Olmec Sculptures

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6.Tlapacoya and Tlatilco

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7.Postures

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8.Transformations

9. Portrait and Deity Masks

10. Monumental Heads

11. Flora and Fauna

12. Non-figurative and Abstract Designs

13. Celts and Olmec Theology

14. Monuments and Stelas from La Venta

15. Beginnings of Writing. Images to symbols