Editing Olmecs (section)

==Trade==
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 (archaeology)|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.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1016/j.jas.2013.01.033|title=Early Olmec obsidian trade and economic organization at San Lorenzo|journal=Journal of Archaeological Science|volume=40|issue=6|pages=2784–2798|year=2013|last1=Hirth|first1=Kenneth|last2=Cyphers|first2=Ann|last3=Cobean|first3=Robert|last4=De León|first4=Jason|last5=Glascock|first5=Michael D.|bibcode=2013JArSc..40.2784H }}</ref> 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.