Advertisement

The Olmec: Africa’s Lost Explorers?

pexels roberto carlos roman don 12272047 e1672111462796

Discussions regarding the African ancestry of the Olmec people have been ongoing for centuries. This debate was catalyzed by the notable resemblance between the heads of the colossal stone sculptures found in the region, which often exhibit African features and are believed to be the representations of the Olmec rulers.

Related:   Guerrilla Gardener Ron Finley Shines Light on Foods
pexels vin aug 10601489 edited
No one can prove who or where the ancient Olmecs came from, but eyes don’t lie. They were Africans, bring them home.

If the Olmecs were African should they be taken home?

On the other hand, the estimated dates of emergence for the Olmec civilization predate contact with Africa by hundreds of years and no definitive archaeological or genetic evidence has been discovered to support a direct link between the two peoples.

Nonetheless, archaeologists have held that there may be some shared cultural heritage between the respective regions and periods which could inform the similarities in their artwork. The truth remains unknown but it is without doubt a fascinating topic worthy of further exploration.

Related:   Janelle Monáe is Our Model of the Day
BBC tackles the mysteries of the Olmecs