Olmecs in Soconusco

Abstract Judging from what is broadly considered “Olmec art,” peoples of the Soconusco came under the influence of three different Olmec cultures from 1400–500 BC. The earliest influence was from the Gulf Coast from 1400–1200 BC and is best manifested at Canton Corralito. This was replaced by influence from Olmecs in Highland Mexico from 1200–900 BC in what appears to have been a rapid change, as evident with the building of the center of Ojo de Agua. The final observable Olmec influence, from 800–500 BC, was again from the Gulf Coast, where La Venta and Tres Zapotes were dominant influences. The best evidence of this Olmec era in Soconusco is at the site of Izapa. Olmec influence is most apparent in the styles and designs on stone sculpture, carved jade objects, decorated ceramic vessels, and ceramic human figurines.