Archaeologica.org

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007 ... 865655.htm

Chinese archaeologists say they have uncovered strong evidence that Stone Age people in southern East Asia were at least as technologically advanced as their European cousins -- challenging the long-standing theory of "two cultures".

More than 60 years ago, Harvard University Professor Hallam Movius advanced a theory that divided the Stone Age world into two technological levels.

The theory held that western Eurasia and Africa had produced the advanced technology of percussion flaking, while East Asia cultures were comparatively backward having only developed simple choppers and, by implication, the people were less intelligent and adaptable than their African and western Eurasia relatives.

Min, nice article. Hopefully, some pics of the artifacts will be posted soon, but another paradigm comes crashing down!

If only people would learn to never say "never" and instead say "maybe" there would not be such a need to protect one's ego.

Recently I spent some time reading a lengthy report on Olmec art (yep the central american Olmec) and was struck with the beauty and craftsmanship of the pieces. Most striking was the obvious similarity between the depictions in the masks and chinese physical features. Why would the Olmec be sculpting obviously, Chinese-looking charicatures in their art? They wouldn't. They were depicting themselves. I have been since researching the possibility that the Olmec culture may have originated in China and there is a case to be made.

And believe me. The "Club" is adamently opposed to the notion. I hope to post more on this in the future.

The Club is equally opposed to the notion that the Olmecs were African.

Minimalist wrote:The Club is equally opposed to the notion that the Olmecs were African.

Good point, Min. Your observation may have even larger implications. I've seen many round faced, flat nosed, black peeps. I've also seen the Chinese variety.

Geography has to enter into this. It just seems a hell of a lot easier for Africans to get to Eastern Mexico than the Chinese.

Besides, there are Caucasians depicted on "Olmec" stele, as well.

Yes, there are features to their art, such as bulging eyes, round cheeks, flat noses, etc. which also serve other purposes. Notice how quickly also, you react negatively to the possibility of chinese Olmec without seeing the evidence?

I have only begun to look at this. No doubt they were not the first nor only people in Mexico. Whoever they were, they left a major impact, and then they were gone.

Forum Monk wrote:Recently I spent some time reading a lengthy report on Olmec art (yep the central american Olmec) and was struck with the beauty and craftsmanship of the pieces. Most striking was the obvious similarity between the depictions in the masks and chinese physical features. Why would the Olmec be sculpting obviously, Chinese-looking charicatures in their art? They wouldn't. They were depicting themselves. I have been since researching the possibility that the Olmec culture may have originated in China and there is a case to be made.

And believe me. The "Club" is adamently opposed to the notion. I hope to post more on this in the future.

Monk, you'll be interested in the work of Mike Xu, if you haven't studied it already.
http://www.chinese.tcu.edu/www_chinese3_tcu_edu.htm

I've heard of this before, Monk. I just don't see it.

But then again, I'm awful when it comes to art work.

This:




does not look remotely like this:



to me.


Of course, I'm not sure what evidence we have to attribute the African heads to the Olmecs. They could be thousands of years older and the "Olmecs" merely grew up around them.

Take a look at Effigy's link and scroll down to the writing.
Like I said. I think many evidences can be found. It can be a really good discussion after I due some more research.

Thanks Effigy.

I did. Thats where I got the first picture.

Forum Monk wrote:Recently I spent some time reading a lengthy report on Olmec art (yep the central american Olmec) and was struck with the beauty and craftsmanship of the pieces. Most striking was the obvious similarity between the depictions in the masks and chinese physical features. Why would the Olmec be sculpting obviously, Chinese-looking charicatures in their art? They wouldn't. They were depicting themselves. I have been since researching the possibility that the Olmec culture may have originated in China and there is a case to be made.

Many people in West Africa have almond shape eyes, small heads and slight frames.

Cognito wrote:Min, nice article. Hopefully, some pics of the artifacts will be posted soon, but another paradigm comes crashing down!

I'd like to see some artifacts too but have little hope they'll be conclusive.

Living where I do I see evidence of Chinese chauvinism of the coarsest and most credulous variety on a weekly basis.