This handsome volume presents the creations of Mesoamerica's most ancient societies in their archaeological contexts. The Olmec--best known for a unique style of monumental stone head and jade were-jaguar--were based along the Gulf of Mexico but have also been linked to other Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Maya and Aztec. This book discusses recent spectacular finds and provides a framework for understanding the history, art, and archaeology of the Olmec.