description Cascajal Block Overview
The Cascajal Block is a carved greenstone block made of serpentinite, discovered in 1999 in southeastern Veracruz, Mexico, in the Olmec cultural area. One face carries 62 incised signs arranged in horizontal bands, and researchers have proposed that they record an early form of writing dating to the Early or Middle Formative period, roughly 1000 to 800 BCE. Because the block was found outside a controlled excavation, its authenticity, date, cultural affiliation, and interpretation have remained subjects of scholarly debate. [Cambridge study](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0956536119000257)
help Cascajal Block FAQ
What is the Cascajal Block made of?
The Cascajal Block is a carved greenstone block made of serpentinite. It was discovered in 1999 in southeastern Veracruz, Mexico, within the Olmec cultural area.
How many signs are carved on the Cascajal Block?
One face carries 62 incised signs. The signs are arranged in horizontal bands across the carved surface.
What might the Cascajal Block record?
Researchers have proposed that its signs may record an early form of writing. The interpretation remains debated, so it should not be described as a fully deciphered text.
Who made the Cascajal Block?
The block is associated with the Olmec cultural area of southeastern Veracruz. Its exact maker and meaning remain uncertain, but the object is studied as a possible early writing tradition.
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