SOCIAL SYSTEMS
In early Olmec times, several groups of families owned land that they farmed as a community, resulting in equality among most citizens. However, as the society became more complex, a few families gathered the best land and a "high class" developed. Through this, priests, usually members of the powerful families, emerged and took the responsibility of governing the Olmecs. Only members of these elite families lived in the cities. Most working people lived as farmers outside the cities boundaries, however, it is possible an artisan class was supported because of the importance of the arts in Olmec culture. The farming class provided food and labor for the ruling class and only used the city as a place to gather occasionally for religious and governmental ceremonies. It was found that there were huge differences in the rich life of the ruling families and the inferior life of the working citizens.
AN OLMEC PERSPECTIVE: A DAY IN THE LIFE
As an Olmec citizen, I live a rather satisfying, yet difficult and tiring life. Much of my time is often spent either in the fields harvesting food for my family, or laboring for yet another public works project; whether it be a new sacrificial altar or a road system. Nonetheless, days are never empty, and there is always work to be done.
Though work is hard and plentiful, I know that our gods are merciful, and their influence can never be diminished. What good gods we have to bless us with such land and such honorable shamans! Whatever difficulties we face are solved by our divine shaman. How awe-inspiring it is to witness his nagual state, knowing that with his help, rain will soon fall on our thirsty crops. What powerful rulers we have, what merciful gods we have, to help us prosper in our day-to-day pursuits. It is only fitting that we sacrifice our most treasured to appease our gods.
When we play our ball game or ritual sacrifice, I know of no greater feeling of exhilaration. Despite the outcome, I know that even if it finally falls to my time to serve as an offering to the gods, I will do it without fear. Every night, I sleep, satisfied with the contributions that I can and will make to my community.
Though work is hard and plentiful, I know that our gods are merciful, and their influence can never be diminished. What good gods we have to bless us with such land and such honorable shamans! Whatever difficulties we face are solved by our divine shaman. How awe-inspiring it is to witness his nagual state, knowing that with his help, rain will soon fall on our thirsty crops. What powerful rulers we have, what merciful gods we have, to help us prosper in our day-to-day pursuits. It is only fitting that we sacrifice our most treasured to appease our gods.
When we play our ball game or ritual sacrifice, I know of no greater feeling of exhilaration. Despite the outcome, I know that even if it finally falls to my time to serve as an offering to the gods, I will do it without fear. Every night, I sleep, satisfied with the contributions that I can and will make to my community.