Olmecs and the Civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico

Do you know about the Olmecs and the civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico? Come explore Mexico’s first-known civilization as you journey across more than 3,000 years of history, exchanges, and artistic traditions that—still today—bear traces of Olmec heritage… Let’s explore!

On this interactive adventure, your students will see exceptional objects on loan from, among others, Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History. They will take a journey to the heart of the Gulf of Mexico to shed some light on archaeological finds, learning about rites, beliefs, architecture, art, writing, and much more.

It’s a great way to raise your students’ awareness of this monumental cultural heritage that has endured in certain Mexican communities.

The exhibition Olmecs and the Civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico is sure to surprise and amaze your class!

What will students experience in this exhibition?

During their visit, students will get to see impressive offerings and stelae that embody this civilization’s history, along with various sculptures, including a colossal head weighing more than six tons!

Through these objects, students will:

• Learn about the gods, mythology, and rites of the Olmecs and civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico.
• Understand the influence these peoples had on other civilizations in Mesoamerica, including the Mayas and Aztecs.
• Learn about the rich history of the Olmecs and findings from recent archaeological digs.
• Reflect on unique works of art and objects that bear witness to history and traditions.

H2 : Competencies developed - Elementary, Cycle 2

The activities on this tour are in keeping with the aims of government education programs in that they help develop certain competencies.

Social Sciences

Perceive the organization of a society in its territory.
- Situate the society and its territory in space and time.
- Make connections between characteristics of the society and the organization of its territory.
- Make connections of continuity with the present.

Interpret change in a society and its territory.
- Recognize the main changes in the organization of a society and its territory.

Be open to the diversity of societies and their territories.
- Perceive the main similarities and differences between societies and between territories.

To complement your visit, we also suggest you reserve the program On the Trail of the St. Lawrence Iroquoians

Visual Arts

Appreciate works of art, traditional artistic objects.
- Examine a work of art and a traditional artistic object for elements of content and sociocultural references.