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Zapotec seated figure B.C. 300 - 200 Monte Albain
The Zapotecs dominated the area around Oaxaca with their city of Monte Alban for centuries. Monte Alban was one of the more ancient Classic peried city states, with sites there as old as 600 B.C.
terracotta jaguar 300-800 AD, Monte Alban.The Zapotecs were heavily influenced by the Olmecs, who also worshipped the jaguar. The collar around the neck shows that they were worshipped alive and in captivity
After 650 A.D. Monte Alban was one of the most powerful cities in Mexico . Around the 800s, the city began to lose its power and by 900 A.D. the city was abandoned . However, the Zapotec culture still remained vigorous and other cities, such as their captial at Zaachila remained .The Zapotec city of Mitla are masterpieces of Classical architecture with dazzling geometric patterns .
wall mural at Mitla
Zapotec funerary urn 300-800 AD, Monte Albain. the Zapotecs built monumental tombs in which they placed urns with offerings, often with the face of the the deceased upon them .The headdress is a mask of the eagle and jaguar.
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