- Materials used in Olmec architecture
- Characteristics of ceremonial centers
- San Lorenzo: example of Olmec architecture
- References
The Olmeca architecture is characterized by modest and the use of perishable materials. This has meant that there are not too many examples of its constructions, beyond some remains of the pyramids used as centers of worship.
For example, there is nothing left that allows us to know what the houses they built were like, beyond certain hypotheses.
The Olmec civilization was located in what is now southern Mexico during the so-called Middle Preclassic Period (1200-900 BC).
It is considered by many specialists as the mother of other cultures developed in Mesoamerica and had great influence on many cultural manifestations.
Among these influences is the way in which ceremonial centers were built, which was later adopted by other peoples.
Materials used in Olmec architecture
One of the most outstanding characteristics of Olmec architecture is the use of perishable materials. This has prevented many constructions from being preserved until now.
Among the most used is mud, sometimes of different colors depending on the deposits that are nearby.
Wood was also important, with which the posts were made. For the roofs, they turned to palm fronds. As for the bases, the normal thing was that they used compact clay soil.
An exception is found when the city could use some stones. Thus, in La Venta they used basalt for the columns, carried from the Sierra. The foundations themselves were covered with stones when possible.
Characteristics of ceremonial centers
The Olmecs, despite the modesty of the means at their disposal, were the ones who marked the line of religious constructions throughout the region. The buildings considered precursors are found in San Lorenzo-Tenochtitlan and in La Venta.
Normally, the ceremonial centers were erected in open spaces, in elevations of the land that during the rainy season were converted into islands. These buildings were the center of the community and, around it, the rest of the constructions rose.
The platforms and foundations that made up the ceremonial set were made with compact earth or, depending on the area, with adobe or clay. The most common form was the pyramidal, although they also made some rectangular.
As for the building itself, built with non-durable elements, there is no remainder, so its structure and distribution are not very well known.
San Lorenzo: example of Olmec architecture
San Lorenzo is one of the first places where the Olmecs built one of their cult centers and a city around it.
The highlight is the urban planning throughout the area, as there is a clear symmetry in all the structures.
The archaeological site is located on an artificial plateau, created by the earth carried by its builders.
Each raised mound is accompanied by lagoons that, thanks to a network of channels, provided water to the entire complex.
Likewise, the existence of several squares around the central axis can be contemplated. The buildings, despite the lack of remains, had to also be built around this axis.
Finally, it highlights an area that experts say was a ball game, so frequent later in all the settlements of Mesoamerica.
References
- Torres Rodriguez, Antonio. Olmec culture. Obtained from elmiradorimpaciente.blogspot.com.es
- Escuelapedia. Olmec architecture. Obtained from schoolpedia.com
- Cartwright, Mark. Olmec Civilization. Retrieved from ancient.eu
- Minster, Christopher. Olmec Culture. Retrieved from thoughtco.com
- Wiki Spaces. Architecture. Retrieved from olmecs.wikispaces.com