Name:
Date:
2.
1. Olmec Symbols
Celt: a stone object that resembles an ear of corn
Downturned Mouth: inspired by the mouth of a jaguar, whose jaw can open to surround the head of its prey
Fiery Eyebrows:associated with the Harpy Eagle, a large bird that can fly 50 miles an hour and that preys on monkeys
Axis Mundi: this symbol, usually worn by royalty, designates that the person wearing it is the center of the universe
Cleft-head: often shown with corn or seeds growing out of the V shape, this symbol is connected to the maize or corn god.
Water Pleats: resembles the ripples or flowing of water
3. Object
4. By combining these symbols, what might the Olmec be showing about this object?
4. By combining these symbols, what might the Olmec be showing about this object?
4. By combining these symbols, what might the Olmec be showing about this object?
4. By combining these symbols, what might the Olmec be showing about this object?
Kunz Axe: discovered at Oaxaca Size: 11 13/16 x 6 in.
Colossal Head 5: discovered at San LorenzoSize: 73 1/4 x 56 11/16 x 49 1/4 in.
Monument 52: discovered at San LorenzoSize: 36 3/16 x 18 7/8 x 15 3/16 in.
Votive Axe: discovered at La VentaSize: 4 3/8 x 2 1/2 in.
Directions:
Name:
Date:
2.
1. Olmec Symbols
Celt: a stone object that resembles an ear of corn
Downturned Mouth: inspired by the mouth of a jaguar, whose jaw can open to surround the head of its prey
Fiery Eyebrows:associated with the Harpy Eagle, a large bird that can fly 50 miles an hour and that preys on monkeys
Axis Mundi: this symbol, usually worn by royalty, designates that the person wearing it is the center of the universe
Cleft-head: often shown with corn or seeds growing out of the V shape, this symbol is connected to the maize or corn god.
Water Pleats: resembles the ripples or flowing of water
3. Object
4. By combining these symbols, what might the Olmec be showing about this object?
4. By combining these symbols, what might the Olmec be showing about this object?
4. By combining these symbols, what might the Olmec be showing about this object?
4. By combining these symbols, what might the Olmec be showing about this object?
Kunz Axe: discovered at Oaxaca Size: 11 13/16 x 6 in.
Colossal Head 5: discovered at San LorenzoSize: 73 1/4 x 56 11/16 x 49 1/4 in.
Monument 52: discovered at San LorenzoSize: 36 3/16 x 18 7/8 x 15 3/16 in.
Votive Axe: discovered at La VentaSize: 4 3/8 x 2 1/2 in.
Directions:1. Read the descriptions under
each symbol.2. Write a summary of the symbol
in your own words.3. Looking at the object posters,
check which symbols can be found on each object.
4. Write your interpretation of the object including at least two details to support your idea.
Getting to Know the Olmec RegionUsing the blanks below, find the following:
MexicoGulf of Mexico
Gulf of TehuantepecYucatan Peninsula
BelizeGuatemala
El SalvadorHondurasNicaragua
Name:
Date:
Using your symbol worksheet, draw a line from the object to the site where the object was found.