Who is in charge in the Olmec?

The Olmec civilization, often regarded as one of Mesoamerica's first major cultures, did not have a centralized government like later civilizations. Instead, it is believed that power was likely held by a ruling elite or a group of chieftains, possibly led by a paramount leader or "shaman-king." This leadership was closely tied to religious authority, as the elite often engaged in rituals and ceremonies that reinforced their power. The exact structure remains largely speculative due to limited written records.