Did Ancient China Influence Olmec Mexico?



 

Introduction

 

This paper will explore the question of transoceanic diffusion between ancient China and Olmec Mexico ca. 1200 BCE, primarily focusing on certain similaritiesapparent in stylistic art forms possibly shared on both sides of the Pacific between Neolithic and Shang China and Olmec Mexico. Traits shared between Shang China and Olmec Mexico include writing, jade, batons as symbols of rank, worship of mountains, north-south orientation of settlements, feline deity, and cranial deformation (Meggers 1975). These last two will be discussed here, along with a third motif not mentioned byMeggers: donut-shaped disks. These motifs likely symbolize shaman-rulership.

 

....

 

Read this fascinating article by David Kaufman in full at:

 

http://www.academia.edu/867576/Did_Ancient_China_Influence_Olmec_Mexico