3 Monte Alban

Reconstruction of Monte Albán, original 500 BCE-800 CE

Danzantes, c. 500-200 BCE, stone

• evidence of violence

• eyes closed; head in profile; nakedness sign of humiliation; arms/legs splayed: dead prisoners of war- some show mutilitation

• could be individualized: glyphs, earrings OR representation of entire subjugated population

Offering vessel, c. 350-550 CE, ceramic, 18 1/2 × 12 1/2 in.

• headdress connected to rain diety

• His headgear is large and ornate, often featuring fanning feathers, jade ornaments (signifying water and fertility)

• Large circular earspools with dangling feather or stone elements frame the face, and a heavy pectoral (chest ornament) hangs by a thick rope or string around the neck

Reconstruction of Monte Albán Tomb 104, original c. 200-500 CE

• colorful murals inside tell visitors how to interact with the space (evidence of repainting is proof of revisiting)

• connected with rain diety

• body laid out in middle

• embedded ceramic urn would’ve held offerings (ex. jewelry)

The Bazán Slab (Lápida de Bazán), c. 300-500 CE, stone, 49 x 49 x 12 cm

• left figure looks like Monte Alban style; right figure looks Teotihuacan

• Provides evidence of contact between the Zapotecs of Monte Albán and the people of Teotihuacan.

• Zapotecs more fluid and detailed

• Teotihuacan flat, boxy, geometric

Monte Albán

• good environment for agriculture

• Built on irregularly shaped mountain overlooking 3 valleys; it was leveled to make huge ceremonial center

• Served as a major political and ritual center, with a large central plaza and temples; huge population that grew out of control and happened quickly (urban revolution: empty mountaintop to significant population center was quite unusual)

• Known for the Temple of the Danzantes, which features carved stone figures thought to represent dead or captured enemies.

  • evidence of violence

Mound J

• A structure built by the Zapotecs at Monte Albán, probably after 200 BCE.

• Located in the central plaza but positioned off the plaza’s main axis; Mound J breaks axial orientation; Likely served an astronomical and calendrical function, marking the passage of time and aligning with bright stars.

• incorporates over 40 slabs representing specific conquests; documented through glyphs (record battles, dates, and place names)