Final answer:
The Olmec stone head sculptures likely represent specific powerful Olmec rulers, as indicated by their individualized features and distinctive headdresses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Experts believe that the monolithic, huge, stone head sculptures of the Olmec most likely represent powerful Olmec rulers. These colossal heads are characterized by detailed facial features such as almond-shaped eyes, flat broad noses, and thick lips, which suggest they were meant to be portraits of specific individuals. The heads were also adorned with distinctive headdresses, further implying their representation of individual rulers rather than deities or ancestors. Made from basalt and ranging from 5 to 12 feet in height, the enormous effort required to transport and carve these stones signifies the important status of the figures portrayed.