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This museum, which is the only one in the Olmec region of the Gulf coast, presents an introduction to Olmec civilization (1500-400 BC), with special emphasis on the material remains of the ancient city of La Venta in Tabasco.

More than 200 artifacts are displayed from recent archeological excavations ranging from monumental sculptures to portable stone artifacts and ceramics. There are also many maps, timelines and dioramas on different topics, with a variety of models of Olmec architecture. The exhibition as a whole aims to provide visitors with a perspective of the site’s social and economic organization, beliefs and the everyday life of the ancient Olmecs.

The sculptural groups in two of the galleries are imposing. To welcome visitors the first gallery has a trio of figures worked in sandstone in a squatting position, wearing large helmets. These impressive stones were worked in bas relief to represent figures with a combination of human and fantastical traits. They were discovered at the foot of the site’s main pyramid.

The ceramic vessels used in everyday life and ritual are distinguished by their beautiful simplicity, while the figurines were probably portraits of ancient men, women and children. There was a variety of tools including axes, adzes, chisels and drills made from stone and used for architectural work, farming, hunting and other activities. The mockup of a story of an Olmec house has the remains of corn, beans, palm nuts, turtle and fish.

Finally, the special status of green stone should be noted. There are examples of serpentine, jade and schist represented in the small sample of offerings found in the ceremonial precinct of this first city, alongside other unique artifacts left by the inhabitants of the city of La Venta.