The olmecвЂ™s giant mounds where the priests dwelled are thought to have possibly represented

Hector Cuevas Fernandez, and Mark Antonio Reyes.

Especially helpful were the thoughtful director and staff of the magnificent new Museo de Antropologia de Xalapa, particularly Antonio Rumayor Mendez, Crescencia Celis Sanchez, Miguel Osario Aguilar, Brigido Lara Lara, Arqlgo. And without all of our other friends in Mexico-especially Felipe Siegel and Miguel Angel FernГЎndez, but also Jaled Muyaes, Estela Ogazon, and Jorge Antonio Hidalgo-many experiences that richly enhanced our understanding would not have been. Without the advice, help and influence of Armando Colina and Victor Acuna our trips to and activities in Mexico, as well as our understanding of modern Mexican art, would have been much less enjoyable, enriching, and productive. Without the Fosados-Victor, Sr., Victor, Jr., Pilar, and Ramon and Irene-we might never have understood the fascination of the masks of Mexico, and without Silvan Simone, Bob Curry, and Jack Wheelhouse we might never have seen the beauty of the rich and varied artistic tradition of which those masks are a part.

In addition to Joseph Campbell, to whom this work is dedicated in recognition of our profound appreciation of all he taught us, both personally and through his works, there were others who were of great assistance.

The olmecвЂ™s giant mounds where the priests dwelled are thought to have possibly represented