El Azuzul, Archaeological site in Veracruz, Mexico.
El Azuzul is an archaeological site featuring four monumental stone sculptures with precise craftsmanship and intricate carved details across their surfaces. These works were originally positioned at a ceremonial location and demonstrate impressive artistic skill.
The site dates from 1100 to 800 BCE and was part of the larger Olmec ceremonial center of San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán. It represents a period when the Olmec civilization had fully developed their artistic and religious practices.
The sculptures show human figures holding ritual bars and jaguar forms, revealing the religious beliefs and mythological connections of ancient inhabitants. These images tell us how important animal symbols and ceremonies were to the people who lived here.
The original sculptures are now displayed at the Museum of Anthropology in Xalapa, where they are permanently housed. Visitors need to travel to the city to see these works, since they are no longer at the original location.
A constructed dike runs along the waterway at the site, possibly serving as an ancient port structure for trade. This shows how the Olmec deliberately shaped their environment for commerce and transport.
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