Olmec cube stones likely not currency, hoarded by elites at San Lorenzo. In post-classic times, cacao beans became a barter standard in Aztec markets, not currency Over 100,000 cube stones were found at San Lorenzo in two large pits Both pits of buried cubes were found in elite contexts, not distributed throughout Olmec communities
Over 100,000 cube stones found at San Lorenzo had researchers questioning if they were ancient currency. But analysis shows the stones were buried in elite contexts and hoarded rather than circulated—a key requirement for money to work. Researchers conclude these cubes probably weren't a form of currency after all. Excavated from 1500-500 BCE settlement in Mexico.
Key Facts
- In post-classic times, cacao beans became a barter standard in Aztec markets, not currency
- Over 100,000 cube stones were found at San Lorenzo in two large pits
- Both pits of buried cubes were found in elite contexts, not distributed throughout Olmec communities
- A currency needs to circulate to function; these cubes were hoarded by elites rather than circulated
- Conclusion: the cubes were probably not a form of currency
Related site: San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán Museum — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: New Olmec Theories ? by Archaeologist Ed Barnhart