what was the role of trade in the olmec civilization
Olmec
The wide diffusion of Olmec artifacts and `` Olmecoid '' iconography throughout much of Mesoamerica indicates the existence of extensive long - distance trade networks . Exotic , prestigious and high - value materials such as greenstone and marine shell were moved in significant quantities across large distances . Some of the reasons for trade revolve around the lack of obsidian in the heartland . The Olmec used obsidian in many tools because worked edges were very sharp and durable . Most of the obsidian found has been traced back to Guatemala showing the extensive trade . While the Olmec were not the first in Mesoamerica to organize long - distance exchanges of goods , the Olmec period saw a significant expansion in interregional trade routes , more variety in material goods exchanged and a greater diversity in the sources from which the base materials were obtained . 
The wide diffusion of Olmec artifacts and `` Olmecoid '' iconography throughout much of Mesoamerica indicates the existence of extensive long - distance trade networks . Exotic , prestigious and high - value materials such as greenstone and marine shell were moved in significant quantities across large distances . Some of the reasons for trade revolve around the lack of obsidian in the heartland . The Olmec used obsidian in many tools because worked edges were very sharp and durable . Most of the obsidian found has been traced back to Guatemala showing the extensive trade . While the Olmec were not the first in Mesoamerica to organize long - distance exchanges of goods , the Olmec period saw a significant expansion in interregional trade routes , more variety in material goods exchanged and a greater diversity in the sources from which the base materials were obtained .
Some of the reasons for trade revolve around the lack of obsidian in the heartland . Most of the obsidian found has been traced back to Guatemala showing the extensive trade .
Some of the reasons for trade revolve around the lack of obsidian in the heartland . Most of the obsidian found has been traced back to Guatemala showing the extensive trade .
Some of the reasons for the Olmec long-distance trade revolve around the lack of obsidian in the heartland. Most of the obsidian found has been traced back to Guatemala showing the extensive trade.
The wide diffusion of Olmec artifacts and `` Olmecoid '' iconography throughout much of Mesoamerica indicates the existence of extensive long - distance trade networks . Some of the reasons for trade revolve around the lack of obsidian in the heartland . Most of the obsidian found has been traced back to Guatemala showing the extensive trade .