The meaning of Olmec
Olmec artifacts were originally thought to be Mayan, but the giant heads and some other unique features suggested otherwise. when the Olmec's were officially recognized as their own culture, they were called 'Olmec' which means 'ball people'
Why 'Ball People'?
The Olmec's are famous for having built ball courts to play some sort of game. Also, a dozen rubber balls dating to about 1600 BCE or earlier have been found.
How did the Olmec make the rubber?
The ancient Olmec's made the rubber by taking latex from the rubber tree and mixing it with the juices of the morning glory vine, which made it less brittle and bouncier.