Dec 9, 2025
Mexico Unexplained (facebook)
With all this attention on the Olmec lately, let's not forget when an Olmec head made it into the American mainstream culture with a 1991 episode of "The Simpsons." Bart donated blood to save Mr. Burns' life and in return Mr. Burns went to a mall (it was 1991 after all) and for $32,000 he bought a genuine Olmec head said to represent the ancient Mesoamerican god Xtapolapacetl (which was made up for the show). In future episodes the head can be seen in the Simpsons' basement, at one of their garage sales, and various other places, with no indication on how it was ever moved. Is this all in good fun, or an example of cultural appropriation?