ARCH 100 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Mesoamerican Writing Systems, El Azuzul, Tres Zapotes
20 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
Serpentine block that appears to have a series of glyphs on it. Argued to represent actual writing which has never been clearly demonstrated for the olmec previously. Block does not match any known category of mesoamerican inscribed artifact. Known mesoamerican writing systems use linear or vertical orientations not random glyphs. Isolated shrine site called el manati near san lorenzo. Ritual offering consisting of a bed of sandstone rocks (some with man-made grooves) which were placed on the floor of a shallow pond. Next were placed pottery vessels, stone bowls, fire-cracked hearth stones, high quality jadeite celts (woodworking tools) and beads along with 9 rubber balls. Site became centre of a sphere of influence incorporating more than 100 smaller village sites with all the hallmarks of a civilization in place. Large sculptures visible from the river which probably demonstrated power of the local rulers. Two identical kneeling human twins and two jaguars.
