Daily Life

Olmec people lived in small villages around their ceremonial centers. They farmed maize, hunted deer, fished in rivers, and gathered fruits and nuts. Homes were made of wood, clay, and palm leaves.

We believe their society worked like this:

They were ruled by chiefs, not kings or emperors.

Leaders gained power by acting as go-betweens for the earth and the spirit world.

Religion and daily life were closely connected.

Long-distance trade brought a special green stone (which meant life and vitality), obsidian, feathers, salt, and other goods to the region.