Early Mesoamerica

Prehistoric—c. 650 CE

The Archaic, Pre-Classic, and Classic period

Ancient jade mask with beads and ornaments on display

Discover Mesoamerica’s rich artistic heritage in the Archaic, Pre-Classic, and Classic periods, from the Olmec to the ancient Maya civilizations.

The art and histories of early Mesoamerica include colossal sculpture, monumental cities, and advanced ceramic and painting traditions.

What is Mesoamerica?

Meaning “Middle America,” Mesoamerica is a cultural region that includes Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica

Archaic Period and Early Pre-Classic Sites

The Archaic Period and early pre-classic village sites like Tlatilco and regions like West Mexico demonstrate the incredible variety of art flourishing in Mesoamerica

Sculpture of a bird with abstract design on a pedestal

Important terms and concepts

Tlatilco figurines

Ceramic technology

Central Mexico

Illustration featuring a cat, a vase, a column, and waves with the text "Coming Soon" in the center, on a pink and green background.

Olmecs

Building monumental pyramids and sculptures, the Olmec were important to Mesoamerican cultural groups

Banner with "IN THE WORKS!" text, surrounded by illustrations of classical columns and sculptures.

Zapotecs

Flourishing in southern Mexico, mainly in Oaxaca, the Zapotecs built a powerful civic-ceremonial center at Monte Albán

Ancient Mayan vertebrae-shaped ceramic sculpture on display in a museum, featuring a series of stacked, interconnected disks resembling a human spine.
a figure is framed by a large headdress and holds thunderbolts in his hand
Illustration featuring a cat, a vase, a column, and waves with the text "Coming Soon" in the center, on a pink and green background.

Important terms and concepts

Zapotecs

Ben ‘Zaa

Monte Albán

Ancestor worship

Teotihuacan

An enormous city with a massive population that was planned on a grid—Teotihuacan was a powerful center in early Mesoamerica

Pyramid of the Sun with visitors climbing, Teotihuacan, Mexico.
Illustration of ancient art elements including a Greek column, a classical bust, an Aztec or Mayan head, and a dragon mask on a blue and green background, with 'Coming Soon' text in the center.

Important terms and concepts

Talud-tablero

Architectural profile

Feathered serpent

The Maya

The ancient Maya are known for their incredible architecture, writing system, and calendar systems

Jade green mask of Pakal
Stone pyramid temple surrounded by lush forest, partially obscured by trees.
Ancient Mayan stone carving depicting intricate mythical figures and serpent imagery.
Ancient mural depicting figures in traditional attire on a blue background.
Ancient stone structure with multiple small openings, surrounded by lush green trees and a clear blue sky.
Ancient stone Mayan bas-relief with intricate carvings on display against a maroon background.

Important terms and concepts

Ancient Maya

K’inich Janaab’ Pakal

City-state

Palenque

Jade

The Maize God

Stela

K’awiil

Vision Serpent

Roof comb

Lintel

Yaxchilán

Maya Blue

Mural

Bonampak

Related Resources

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White water bottle with art stickers, green background, ARTSQ text.

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