Final answer:
The Olmec religion was based on polytheism, with numerous gods depicted in their art and a complex pantheon of deities. They performed rituals in temples and sacred sites, possibly led by leaders who acted as shamans. The Olmec's cultural and religious contributions influenced subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Archaeologists believe that the Olmec religion was polytheistic, as evidenced by numerous deities depicted in Olmec art, including a dragon god, a bird god, a fish god, and several fertility deities such as a maize god and water gods. The presence of supernatural mixed beings, like the feathered serpent and the were-jaguar, indicates a sophisticated pantheon of gods who controlled various aspects of the universe. The Olmec also practiced rituals in their temples and sacred natural sites, which may have been conducted by leaders functioning as shamans, communicating with the spirit world.
The Olmec civilization was the precursor to later Mesoamerican cultures such as the Maya and the Aztec, with significant contributions to trade, religion, art, architecture, and governance. Their complex religious system included a rain god, a maize god, and the feathered serpent, which featured prominently in the pantheons of future civilizations. Despite the disappearance of the Olmec civilization around 400 BCE, their cultural legacy persisted through the influences they had on successive Mesoamerican states.