OLMECS
AND THE CIVILIZATIONS OF THE GULF OF MEXICO
April
18 - September 15, 2024
This
fascinating exhibition that
lifts
the veil on Mesoamerica’s earliest known civilization, is
presented
in collaboration with the Instituto
Nacional de Antropología e Historia,
Mexico
City.
For
the first time in Canada, an exhibition dedicated to the Olmec
civilization and the abundant heritage it left behind is being
presented at Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s archaeology and
history complex. The
visitors have an exceptional opportunity to delve into the cultural
riches and mysteries surrounding Mesoamerica’s earliest known
civilization. The exhibition features close to 300 objects, including
certain masterworks never seen
before
on any
public
display. It offers a uniqu
immersion, through a journey across almost 4,000 years of history,
exchanges, and traditions.
The
Olmecs left behind a monumental cultural legacy that was
not discovered until the 19th century. Considered to be the founding
people of the Mesoamerican civilizations (1600 BCE to 200 CE), traces
of their heritage can be found among the Mayas (1100 BCE to the 16th
century) and the Aztecs (13th century to the 16th century), among
others. The temporary exhibition Olmecs
and the Civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico
lifts the veil on this civilization that remains largely unknown to
the general public and
opens
the door to a fascinating world.
A
Captivating Exploration of Olmec History
From
the city of San Lorenzo (the cradle of Olmec civilization 3,500 years
ago) to the capital of La Venta (the seat of power at its apogee) to
the final city of Tres Zapotes, the exhibition takes visitors on a
journey through time and across the civilization’s iconic sites. A
colossal stone head, jaguar-men, jade figurines, and monumental
stelae and sculptures are on display throughout the exhibition,
providing an understanding of the Olmecs’ social organization and
beliefs. These archaeological treasures also reveal aspects of their
way of life, their ingenuity, and their deep connection to their
generous but hostile natural environment illustrated in their
architecture, their calendar system, and their writing. Their
cultural, artistic, and ideological influence persisted in the
civilizations that came after them. The exhibition continues across
the Mesoamerican landscape with an exploration of objects from
various cultures inspired by this heritage, which has spanned the
eras down to the present day.
An
Exceptional International Collaboration
The
magnificent objects on display in this exhibition are the result of a
renewed partnership with Mexico’s Instituto
Nacional de Antropología e Historia
(INAH). They include masterpieces from a dozen Mexican institutions,
with most of the objects on loan from the Museo
Nacional de Antropología
in Mexico City. A colossal head weighing several tons, along with
hundreds of other artifacts, have made the journey from various
Mexican archaeological sites and museums all the way to Montréal.
Anne
Elisabeth Thibault, Executive Director of Pointe-à-Callièrestated:
“It
is with great emotion that we have received these priceless objects,
witnesses to the grandeur of the Olmec civilization. We are proud to
present this exhibition, showcasing these treasures and giving the
public an opportunity for an authentic encounter with this
fascinating culture. The collaboration between our two institutions
bears witness to our shared commitment to promoting intercultural
understanding, and we extend our thanks to all partners involved.
Their contribution has made this enriching and unforgettable
experience possible for our co-citizens and visitors.”
Olmec
Facts and Figures
The
Olmec civilization’s era extends from 1600 BCE to 200 CE.
The
Olmecs once occupied a territory that today corresponds to the
coasts of the Gulf of Mexico to the south of the states of Veracruz
and Tabasco.
The
first discovery attributed to the Olmec civilization was a colossal
stone head unearthed by a peasant on the site of Tres Zapotes in
1858. In all, 17 of these heads have been discovered.
Archaeological
digs have revealed various sculptures decorated with symbols and
patterns that have made it possible to prove the Olmec’s invention
of writing and the measurement of time.
The
Olmecs originated a sport that all major Mesoamerican civilizations
would go on to practice: the Mesoamerican ballgame.
Olmec
traditions that persist in Mexico today: offerings, festive
traditions, patron saint days, etc.
COMPLEMENTING
THE EXHIBITION
Publication
In
collaboration with Beaux-Arts magazine, a special issue dedicated to
the exhibition Olmecs
and the Civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico
has been published, offering a deep dive into the heart of Olmec art
and culture through articles written by specialists in the field.
This wonderfully illustrated publication serves to complete the
exhibition experience. It is available for $21.95 at the Museum Shop.
Guided
Tours
The
Museum is giving guided tours during which you can explore the
exhibition and ask any questions you may have:
- Guided tours
(20 min.) / Daily (schedules at the welcome desk)
- Family
Activity Booklet (available at the welcome desk)
Cultural
Activities
All
summer long, the Museum is encouraging people to come explore the
exhibition and celebrate Mexican culture and traditions at several
events held in collaboration with Mexican artists and cultural
organizations:
- Cinco de Mayo / Sunday, May 5, from noon to 4
pm
- Block Party on the Pointe / Saturday, June 15, from 2 pm to
10 pm
- Family Sundays / Sundays, from July 7 through August 18,
from 1 pm to 4 pm
Lectures
To
delve further into the topic of the temporary exhibition Olmecs and
the Civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico, Pointe-à-Callière is
presenting a series of three lectures exploring various aspects and
themes addressed in the exhibition:
- Discovering the Olmecs /
Thursday, May 16 at 7 pm
- The Evolution of Corn and its
Importance in America / Thursday, August 15 at 7 pm
- Ancient
Mesoamerica / Thursday, September 12 at 7 pm
Explore the program
on Pointe-à-Callière’s website.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The
exhibition Olmecs
and the Civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico
is produced by Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Archaeology and
History Complex, in collaboration with the Secretaría
de Cultura – Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia
in Mexico.
The
exhibition is presented by Desjardins, and through a partnership with
Air Canada Cargo, Tourisme Montréal, Hôtel InterContinental
Montréal, and La Presse. The Museum sincerely thanks its lenders,
sponsors, and partners.
ABOUT
POINTE-À-CALLIÈRE, MONTRÉAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY COMPLEX
Inaugurated
in 1992, on the city’s 350th anniversary, Pointe-à-Callière is
today the largest archaeology museum in Canada and the busiest
history museum in Montréal. Rising above a concentrated number of
historic and archaeological sites of national significance—including
the birthplace of Montréal—, the Museum has a mission to preserve
its collections and to further knowledge, while showcasing and
fostering an appreciation for Montréal’s archaeological and
historical heritage. This mission is carried out through various
activities focused on conservation, research, presentation,
education, and inclusion, along with community initiatives benefiting
both Montrealers and visitors to the city.
Click on images to enlarge them.
All Photos @ Nadia Slejskova
For more information on the current exhibitions, activities and programs, visit the PAC Museum's website. This article's dedicated internet address, or click on the title above the very first photo.