The Olmec gods often represented various natural forces and elements, as well as the attributes and characteristics associated with them. Some of the common representations of Olmec gods include:
1. Water: The Olmec considered water to be a vital life force, and many of their gods represented water in different forms such as rivers, rain, and storms. These deities were believed to have control over fertility, growth, and the cyclical nature of life.
2. Earth: The Olmec gods also represented the earth and its abundance. These deities were associated with agriculture, fertility of the land, and the sustenance it provided to the people.
3. Nature: The Olmec had gods that personified various aspects of nature, including animals, plants, and natural phenomena. Jaguars, birds, snakes, and maize were among the common representations of these gods.
4. Sky and Cosmos: The Olmec believed in celestial powers and had gods associated with the sky, stars, sun, and moon. These deities were often seen as the guardians of the celestial realm and had control over time and the daily cycles of life.
5. Creation and Transformation: Olmec gods were often associated with creation myths and the transformative processes of life. They represented the powers that shaped and molded the universe, as well as the continuous cycles of birth, growth, and death.
It is important to note that the specifics of Olmec religious beliefs and the interpretations of their gods are not fully known, as much information has been lost over time. The understanding of Olmec religion largely relies on the analysis of archaeological artifacts and artworks associated with the civilization.
What did the Olmec gods often represent?
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