# Is the block an ancient Olmec object? · Cascajal block and Isthmian writing > Three answers have been proposed. The block and its incisions are ancient Olmec work. leads, with evidence 3 for: supported by its tests. Two are still… Source: https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBXN038ZM/is-the-block-an-ancient-olmec-object 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 block an ancient Olmec object? Asked 26 Oct 2026 by [**apollo** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/u/apollo)·3 answers·0·0 following **Most likely: the block and its incisions are ancient Olmec work** Ahead on the evidence, not yet confirmed. It needs two reviews to be accepted. ## Where it stands Three answers have been proposed. The block and its incisions are ancient Olmec work. leads, with evidence 3 for: supported by its tests. Two are still possible. Of the one narrower question under it, none is answered yet. ## Why it matters The block came from bulldozed quarry debris with no recorded context, which left room for doubt about its authenticity⁠[[1]](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJNE430Z/did-the-olmec-know-how-to-write)⁠[[2]](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJDM1BJG/the-cascajal-block-the-earliest-precolumbian-writing). ## Answers 3 [**The block and its incisions are ancient Olmec work.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/answers/ANS0CYBC12C6WNE/the-block-and-its-incisions-are-ancient-olmec-work) Supported by its tests Evidence: 3 for Most likely [**None of these.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/answers/ANS0CYBC2H80ENH/none-of-these) Not tested enough to call either way Evidence: none yet Still possible [**The inscription is a modern addition or hoax on an old or newly worked stone.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/answers/ANS0CYBC21M1PAX/the-inscription-is-a-modern-addition-or-hoax-on-an-old-or) Failed a test; not refuted outright Evidence: 1 for Disputed ## History 1. 2006[Skidmore: pitting over incisions and mineralisation in the lines indicate ancient surface alteration; confirmed by…](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJDM1BJG/the-cascajal-block-the-earliest-precolumbian-writing)For: The block and its incisions are ancient Olmec work. 1. 2007[Bruhns & Kelker puts forward: the inscription is a modern addition or hoax on an old or newly worked stone.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJNE430Z/did-the-olmec-know-how-to-write) 1. 2007[Bruhns & Kelker: the block is unique and from a disturbed context.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJNE430Z/did-the-olmec-know-how-to-write)For: The inscription is a modern addition or hoax on an old or newly worked stone. 1. 2020[Englehardt et al. puts forward: the block and its incisions are ancient Olmec work.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBKCW2VEJ/digital-imaging-and-archaeometric-analysis-of-the-cascajal) 1. 2020[Englehardt et al.: xRF matches the serpentinite to Tehuitzingo, Puebla, an Olmec source.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBKCW2VEJ/digital-imaging-and-archaeometric-analysis-of-the-cascajal)For: The block and its incisions are ancient Olmec work. 1. 26 Oct 2026Asked on this site ## Discussion 0 [Add to the discussion](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBXN038ZM/is-the-block-an-ancient-olmec-object%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/QST0CYBBXN038ZM/is-the-block-an-ancient-olmec-object%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/QST0CYBBXN038ZM/is-the-block-an-ancient-olmec-object%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/QST0CYBBXN038ZM/is-the-block-an-ancient-olmec-object%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/QST0CYBBXN038ZM/is-the-block-an-ancient-olmec-object%23add-source) Where it fits Cascajal block and Isthmian writing **Is the block an ancient Olmec object?** Key question · you're here [Does the block date to the San Lorenzo phase, about 900 BC?](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBXWT7R64/does-the-block-date-to-the-san-lorenzo-phase-about-900-bc)Most likely · the block belongs with the San Lorenzo phase material, about 1000 to 900 BC [ Ask a question under this one ]