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A decipherment of epi-olmec hieroglyphic writing
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 19, 1993
Summary
Researchers have deciphered the ancient epi-Olmec script from Mexico, revealing the earliest readable Mesoamerican texts. This breakthrough unlocks insights into the pre-proto-Zoquean language and its connection to Mayan writing.
Area of Science:
- Archaeolinguistics
- Epigraphy
- Mesoamerican Studies
Background:
- The epi-Olmec script represents the earliest readable texts in Mesoamerica.
- Decipherment was facilitated by the discovery of the La Mojarra stela in 1986.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the current state of the phonetic decipherment of the epi-Olmec script.
- To detail the methods employed in the decipherment process.
- To report findings on the epi-Olmec language and script.
Main Methods:
- Reconstruction of early regional languages.
- Analysis of semantic clues from cultural practices.
- Comparative study with other early southern Mesoamerican scripts.
Main Results:
- Partial decipherment of the epi-Olmec script achieved.
- Identification of the language as pre-proto-Zoquean, an ancestor of modern Mixe-Zoquean languages.
- Establishment of a closer relationship between epi-Olmec and Mayan hieroglyphic writing than previously known.
Conclusions:
- The decipherment provides crucial knowledge of early Mixe-Zoquean language history.
- The epi-Olmec script shows significant, previously unrecognized ties to Mayan writing systems.
- This work opens new avenues for understanding Mesoamerican linguistic and cultural connections.
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