The Epi-Olmec script is an ancient writing system that emerged in the Late Preclassic period, approximately between 300 BCE and 250 CE, in what is now southeastern Mexico. This script is associated with the Epi-Olmec culture, which succeeded the earlier Olmec civilization and was centered in the region of present-day Chiapas and Tabasco.
The Epi-Olmec culture is known for its complex societal structure and its influence on later Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya and Zapotec. The script appears on various artifacts, including stelae, ceramic vessels, and seals, indicating its use in both monumental inscriptions and everyday communication.
One of the most significant discoveries related to the Epi-Olmec script is the La Mojarra Stela, found in the late 20th century. This stela, dating to around 156 CE, contains one of the longest inscriptions in the Epi-Olmec script, with over 500 glyphs. It has been instrumental in understanding the script's structure and content.
The Epi-Olmec script shows influences from and has influenced other Mesoamerican writing systems:
Scholars continue to work on the Epi-Olmec script, with efforts focused on cataloging all known inscriptions, improving decipherment techniques, and understanding its linguistic and cultural context. Preservation of the artifacts bearing this script is also a priority to prevent further deterioration of these ancient texts.