Evidence of Phoenician and African Contact with Olmecs

Evidence of Phoenician and African Contact with Olmecs. Monument 13 at La Venta depicts a figure with turban, flag, beard, and tall boots None of these elements are Mesoamerican or Native American The figure is called 'The Traveler' by archaeologists

Monument 13 at La Venta depicts 'The Traveler' wearing turban, flag, beard, and tall boots with no Mesoamerican parallels. The banner resembles pre-dynastic Nile Valley symbols, and Phoenicians conducted Atlantic expeditions during the early first millennium BC. Atlantic currents could reach the Gulf of Mexico, and Native Caribbeans told conquistadors about dark-skinned traders with metal spear tips made of guanín, a term also found in obscure African languages. 'El Negro' monument shows iconically African features. This remains a contested theory requiring more evidence.

Key Facts

• Monument 13 at La Venta depicts a figure with turban, flag, beard, and tall boots
• None of these elements are Mesoamerican or Native American
• The figure is called 'The Traveler' by archaeologists
• The banner is a symbol from the Nile Valley during the pre-dynastic era
• Phoenicians were conducting seafaring expeditions during the early first millennium BC
• Atlantic currents could carry ships from the Mediterranean into the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico
• Native Caribbeans told Spanish conquistadors about dark-skinned traders sailing from the east with metal spear tips made of guanín
• Linguists found that obscure African languages also use 'guanín' for the same metal alloy
• The 'El Negro' monument depicts a figure with raised hair and 'widow's peak' iconically African in appearance

Related site: La Venta — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: The Olmec Mystery (Live Presentation) by Luke Caverns