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Thread-HIST 1111: Wor x Secure https:/igptc.blackboard.com/webapps/discussionboard/do/message?action -create8do-create&requestT; te&do-create;&requestType; thread&course; id- 78... e 6 Always write your responses in your own words. Do not copy word-for-word from your textbook. This will result in a loss of points. 7. Please let me know if you have any questions. Chapter 5 Discussion Questions: 1. The Olmec people are known for the colossal heads that till survive. Discuss the creation of these heads 2. Without any writing systems to refer to, how have archaeologists reconstructed the trade routes of the Hopewell Indians of North America? MESSAGE Subject Message Words:0 Path: p Cancel Save Draft Submit

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1.The Olmec civilization, which thrived along Mexico's Gulf Coast from about 1200 to 400 B.C., was the first major Mesoamerican culture. The Olmec were extremely talented artists, and their most lasting artistic contribution is without a doubt the enormous sculpted heads they created. These sculptures have been found at a handful of archaeological sites, including La Venta and San Lorenzo. Originally thought to depict gods or ballplayers, most archaeologists now say they believe they are likenesses of long-dead Olmec rulers. The Olmec's colossal sculpted heads show the head and face of a helmeted man with distinctly indigenous features. Several of the heads are taller than an average adult human male. The largest colossal head was discovered at La Cobata. It stands about 10 feet tall and weighs an estimated 40 tons. The heads are generally flattened at the back and not carved all the way around -- they are meant to be viewed from the front and sides. The creation of these heads was a significant undertaking. The basalt boulders and blocks used to carve the heads were located as much as 50 miles away. Archaeologists suggest a laborious process of slowly moving the stones, using a combination of raw manpower, sledges and, when possible, rafts on rivers. The source of the stone that was used to make the colossal heads came from the Sierra de los Tuxlas mountains in Veracruz. The stone is described as a course grained dark grey basalt called Cerro Cintepec. The stone didn't need to be quarried. This process was so difficult that there are several examples of pieces being carved from earlier works; two of the San Lorenzo heads were carved out of an earlier throne. Once the stones reached a workshop, they were carved using only crude tools such as stone hammers. The Olmec did not have metal tools, which makes the sculptures all the more remarkable. Once the heads were ready, they were moved into position, although it is possible that they were occasionally moved around to create scenes along with other Olmec sculptures. The fact that these giant sculptures depict only the head may be explained by the widely held belief in Mesoamerican culture that it was the head alone which contained the emotions, experience, and soul of an individual. Facial details were drilled into the stone (using reeds and wet sand) so that prominent features such as the eyes, mouth, and nostrils have real depth. Some also have deliberately drilled dimples on the cheeks, chin, and lips. The heads all display unique facial features - often in a very naturalistic and expressive manner - so that they may be considered portraits of actual rulers. The material remains of Olmec civilization are recognized as some of the finest "high art styles" to be found anywhere in pre-Columbian America. The Olmec colossal heads are important historically and culturally to modern Mexicans. The heads have taught researchers much about the culture of the ancient Olmec. Their greatest value today, however, is probably artistic. Due to time limit,remaining questions can be asked as another question,they will be answered,thankyou for your cooperation

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