# Is the Cascajal inscription writing? · Cascajal block and Isthmian writing > Three answers have been proposed. The block carries a text in an Olmec script, recording language, probably logosyllabic. leads, with evidence 2 for, 2… Source: https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBXD674WZ/is-the-cascajal-inscription-writing Publisher: Mysteries Department Licence: CC BY 4.0 (credit Mysteries Department and link the page) Updated: 2026-10-26T11:57:01+00:00 --- **0** # Is the Cascajal inscription writing? Asked 26 Oct 2026 by [**apollo** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/u/apollo)·3 answers·0·0 following **Most likely: the signs are a ritual arrangement of sacred images in Olmec iconography, not a record of language** Ahead on the evidence, not yet confirmed. It needs two reviews to be accepted. ## Where it stands Three answers have been proposed. The block carries a text in an Olmec script, recording language, probably logosyllabic. leads, with evidence 2 for, 2 against: partly supported by its tests. Two are still possible. Of the one narrower question under it, none is answered yet. ## Why it matters If it is, writing in Mesoamerica begins with the Olmec by about 900 BC, centuries before Zapotec and Maya texts. If the signs are an arrangement of ritual images, the earliest writing is later and the block is a work of iconography⁠[[1]](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJ5T0KBD/oldest-writing-in-the-new-world)⁠[[2]](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBMC43AFC/the-flesh-of-god). ## Answers 3 [**The block carries a text in an Olmec script, recording language, probably logosyllabic.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/answers/ANS0CYBBYW22P76/the-block-carries-a-text-in-an-olmec-script-recording) Partly supported by its tests Evidence: 2 for, 2 against Most likely [**The signs are a ritual arrangement of sacred images in Olmec iconography, not a record of language.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/answers/ANS0CYBC0340JG9/the-signs-are-a-ritual-arrangement-of-sacred-images-in-olmec) Partly supported by its tests Evidence: 2 for Most likely [**None of these.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/answers/ANS0CYBC0TJ7N97/none-of-these) Not tested enough to call either way Evidence: none yet Still possible ## History 1. 2006[Rodríguez Martínez et al. puts forward: the block carries a text in an Olmec script, recording language, probably logosyllabic.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJ5T0KBD/oldest-writing-in-the-new-world) 1. 2006[Rodríguez Martínez et al.: 62 signs from about 28 forms include repeated signs and repeated sequences.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJ5T0KBD/oldest-writing-in-the-new-world)For: The block carries a text in an Olmec script, recording language, probably logosyllabic. 1. 2007[Bruhns & Kelker: the signs bunch without the linear layout of a script.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJNE430Z/did-the-olmec-know-how-to-write)Against: The block carries a text in an Olmec script, recording language, probably logosyllabic. 1. 2007[Bruhns & Kelker: several signs had been read as decoration on other Olmec objects.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJNE430Z/did-the-olmec-know-how-to-write)For: The signs are a ritual arrangement of sacred images in Olmec iconography, not a record of language. 1. 2010[Freidel & Reilly puts forward: the signs are a ritual arrangement of sacred images in Olmec iconography, not a record of language.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBMC43AFC/the-flesh-of-god) 1. 2020[Mora-Marín: sign co-occurrence irregularities are consistent with logosyllabic spelling; a repeated PELT-PAW pair is…](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBK523QRA/the-cascajal-block-new-line-drawing-distributional-analysis)For: The block carries a text in an Olmec script, recording language, probably logosyllabic. 1. 2024[Mora-Marín: the signs match motifs in Joralemon's catalogue of Olmec art.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBKMP6M8H/the-cascajal-block-iconographic-motivations-part-3-note-36)For: The signs are a ritual arrangement of sacred images in Olmec iconography, not a record of language. 1. 26 Oct 2026Asked on this site ## Discussion 0 [Add to the discussion](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBXD674WZ/is-the-cascajal-inscription-writing%23discussion) Help with this question [ **Propose an answer** Something the evidence could support or rule out ] [ **Propose an answer** Something the evidence could support or rule out ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBXD674WZ/is-the-cascajal-inscription-writing%23add-answer) [ **Add evidence** A result for or against an answer ] [ **Add evidence** A result for or against an answer ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBXD674WZ/is-the-cascajal-inscription-writing%23add-evidence) [ **Ask a sub-question** A smaller question that would help settle this one ] [ **Ask a sub-question** A smaller question that would help settle this one ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBXD674WZ/is-the-cascajal-inscription-writing%23add-question) [ **Add a source** A paper, archive record or image ] [ **Add a source** A paper, archive record or image ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBXD674WZ/is-the-cascajal-inscription-writing%23add-source) Where it fits Cascajal block and Isthmian writing **Is the Cascajal inscription writing?** Key question · you're here [How is the Cascajal text laid out and read?](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBY4M58X1/how-is-the-cascajal-text-laid-out-and-read)Most likely · the block should be rotated 90 degrees and read in columns, left to right and top to bottom [ Ask a question under this one ]