* The Olmec colossal heads are monumental sculptures carved from large boulders.
>They range from 1.17 to 3.4 metres in height and weigh between 10 and 50 tons.
* The heads were created by the Olmec civilization in what is now southern Mexico and date from 1500 to 400 BCE.
* They are believed to represent Olmec rulers or gods and were likely carved using stone adzes and chisels.
* The colossal heads were discovered in the 19th century and have been excavated from several Olmec archaeological sites, including San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán, La Venta, and Tres Zapotes.
Pyramids
* Alongside colossal heads, the Olmec constructed pyramid-shaped structures. The Great Pyramid of La Venta, built between 800 and 400 BCE, is the largest Olmec pyramid.
>It stands 34 meters high and is made up of four levels with a staircase leading to a temple on top.
>This suggests that the Olmec had advanced architectural and engineering skills, allowing them to construct impressive and durable structures.
Temples
* The Olmec also built temples and platforms, which served various religious and ceremonial purposes.
>Temples were often positioned in a central location within Olmec settlements and were sometimes aligned with celestial events, such as the solstices.
> The La Venta complex also includes several other ceremonial structures, including an altar, a ball court, and a plaza, indicating a significant civic center.
Altar
* One of the famous altars attributed to the Olmec is Altar 5 from the San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan site. This rectangular stone altar depicts a figure holding a "were-jaguar" mask.
>The altar displays skilled relief carvings and is considered to be one of the most important pieces of Olmec art.
Ball Courts
* Ball courts were important structures in Olmec cities, such as at San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan.
>These courts were used for playing a ritual ball game called "juego de pelota," which was significant in Mesoamerican cultures and had both recreational and ceremonial aspects.