Through my initial research, I observed that the Gulf Coast Olmec culture is generally accepted in the scholarly community as the first Mesoamerican civilization through its display of sociopolitical complexity. However, there remains quite a considerable amount of debate regarding how the Olmec iconography, specifically in regards to Olmec style ceramics, disseminated and interacted with neighbouring regions.
Blomster et al. (2005) and Backes et al. (2012) propose that the standardized Olmec iconography on such pottery was exported throughout Mesoamerica and spread the Olmec institutions and culture. Furthermore, they suggest that this standardized and widespread manifestation acted as a precursor or “mother culture” to other complex societies
Blomster et al. (2005) and Backes et al. (2012) propose that the standardized Olmec iconography on such pottery was exported throughout Mesoamerica and spread the Olmec institutions and culture. Furthermore, they suggest that this standardized and widespread manifestation acted as a precursor or “mother culture” to other complex societies