In ancient Mesoamerica, there existed a people known as the Olmecs. These people, who lived primarily in San Lorenzo, Mexico had many intriguing cultural aspects, including the transportation of huge stones from 50 miles away to bring to San Lorenzo where they were shaped into large stone heads in the likenesses of the leaders. Each head is different with respect to the facial features. All have the characteristic agonized/angry Olmec face and wear the helmets associated with the cultural game of The Ballgame. The Ballgame was played only by the Shaman-rulers using a human skull wrapped in rubber bands to form a heavy ball. The players would have to wrap and pad their ribs in order to avoid serious injury as a result of playing. Another aspect of Olmec culture was one of the first examples of human sacrifice in the New World.
olmec
Here is an acceptable BBC documentary of some archaeological work taking place in the Olmec region in Mexico.