Bones and the Zapotec at ancient Monte Albán | Mesoamerican Art
Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank
A Zapotec Bone Stand
Learn about bones in art and ancient Zapotec culture as we explore the fascinating world of Monte Albán in Oaxaca, Mexico! This video introduces an intricately crafted vertebral column, or backbone, made by the Zapotec people in ancient Mexico over 2,000 years ago. It’s a wonderful example from Mesoamerican art history.
Mesoamerica refers to Mexico and much of Central America prior to European invasions. Monte Albán is an elevated city overlooking a picturesque valley, once ruled by the Zapotec people. The site has a long, rich history.
Support or vase in the shape of a spine (vertebral column or back bone), Zapotec, Late Preclassic Period, c. 300–250 CE, clay with pigment, from Monte Albán, Oaxaca, Mexico. National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City. Photo: © Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank
A backbone
The vertebral column was intricately molded from clay to resemble a human backbone and likely functioned as a stand. It helps us learn about Zapotec beliefs and customs surrounding life, death, and the afterlife. It helps us learn about ancestor veneration. The video also explores the significance of bones in Zapotec culture.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction to the backbone stand and Monte Albán
0:28 Monte Albán and the Zapotecs (or Ben ‘Zaa) in the Valley of Oaxaca
0:59 Close looking at the anatomically correct backbone stand
1:22 The meaning of bones among the Zapotecs
1:51 The backbone stand in ceremonies and death and dying
2:09 Ancestors and ancestor veneration
2:50 A powerful symbol
Learn more
Learn more about the Zapotecs and early Mesoamerica.
Find more resources about the Ancient World.
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