Early Mesoamerica
Prehistoric–c. 650 CE
The Archaic, Pre-Classic, and Classic period
Discover Mesoamerica’s rich artistic heritage in the Archaic, Pre-Classic, and Classic periods, from the Olmec to the ancient Maya civilizations.
The art and histories of early Mesoamerica include colossal sculpture, monumental cities, and advanced ceramic and painting traditions.
What is Mesoamerica?
Meaning “Middle America,” Mesoamerica is a cultural region that includes Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica
Archaic Period and Early Pre-Classic Sites
The Archaic Period and early pre-classic village sites like Tlatilco and regions like West Mexico demonstrate the incredible variety of art flourishing in Mesoamerica
Important terms and concepts
Tlatilco figurines
Ceramic technology
Central Mexico
West Mexican Cultures (Colima, Nayarit, Jalisco)
Colima dogs
Olmecs
Building monumental pyramids and sculptures, the Olmec were important to Mesoamerican cultural groups
COMING SOON: A Jadeite Mask
Zapotecs
Flourishing in southern Mexico, mainly in Oaxaca, the Zapotecs built a powerful civic-ceremonial center at Monte Albán
VIDEO: Spine Stand and Zapotec ancestors at Monte Albán
VIDEO: Who is the rain god Cocijo? Looking at sculpture from Lambityeco
VIDEO: Zapotec funerary urns and ancestors at Monte Alban
Important terms and concepts
Zapotecs
Ben ‘Zaa
Monte Albán
Ancestor worship
Cocijo
funerary urns
Teotihuacan
An enormous city with a massive population that was planned on a grid—Teotihuacan was a powerful center in early Mesoamerica
Important terms and concepts
Talud-tablero
Architectural profile
Feathered serpent
grid plan
apartment compound
The Maya
The ancient Maya are known for their incredible architecture, writing system, and calendar systems. Learn about the ancient Maya from sites like Palenque, Yaxchilán, Bonampak, and more.
VIDEO: What is Maya Blue? Looking at the murals at Bonampak
VIDEO: What is a Maya roof comb? Looking at Structure 33 from Yaxchilán
Important terms and concepts
Ancient Maya
K’inich Janaab’ Pakal
City-state
Palenque
Jade
The Maize God
Stela
K’awiil
Vision Serpent
Roof comb
Lintel
Yaxchilán (Yaxchilan)
Maya Blue
Mural
Bonampak
Relief sculpture
VIDEO: Lady K'abal Xook and Lintel 25 | The Yaxchilan Lintels
Isthmo-Colombian Region
The region includes northern South America and southern Central America, including Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica.
Guanacaste-Nicoya
A region of Costa Rica that is part of the larger Isthmo-Colombian region because of the connections among communities between Honduras and northern Colombia.
VIDEO: What is a metate? Looking at a ceremonial jaguar metate from Costa Rica
Greater Chiriquí and Veraguas
COMING SOON: Golden eagle pendants
Discover rulers!
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![Ancient jade mask with headdress and necklace on display]()
Pakal of Palenque
Ancient Maya King, the 5th longest reigning monarch in the world
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![a woman holds a bowl while looking upwards at a snake on a stone monolith]()
Lady Xook
An ancient Maya queen of Yaxchilán in Mexico
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![A carved stone mask with a sad expression, adorned with beads and jewelry, displayed against a red background.]()
Red Queen of Palenque
Likely Pakal’s wife who was buried in a lavish tomb
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![Ancient stone carving of a Mayan ruler wearing a headdress and holding a ceremonial object.]()
Lady Ik' Skull of Yaxchilán
Stela 35 is one of the only records we have of this Maya queen
Related Resources
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