The Olmec civilization, one of the earliest in Mesoamerica, practiced a polytheistic religion that involved the worship of various deities. They believed in a pantheon of gods associated with natural elements, such as rain, maize, and the jaguar, which symbolized power and strength. Rituals often included offerings, ceremonies, and the creation of large stone monuments, like colossal heads, to honor these gods. Shamanism played a significant role in Olmec religion, with shamans acting as intermediaries between the spiritual and physical worlds. They performed rituals to communicate with the gods and sought to influence agricultural fertility and community well-being. The Olmec also believed in the afterlife, which influenced their burial practices and the construction of ceremonial sites.