. Ancient civilizations of Mexico and Central America. Indians of Mexico; Indians of Central America. T11K LESSER CIVILIZATIONS 139 Zapotecan Culture. In the state of Oaxacafthe ZapotecaD Indians attained to a high degree of civiliza- tion but a study of their art shows that they were greatly indebted to the Mayas for decorative motives. Montr Alban, the principal archaeological site in point of size seems also to he the most ancient. Stela? arc. Fig. 52. Comparison of Mayan and Zapotecan Serpent Heads. The first two examples are from Palenque and the second two from Monte Alban. found at this
. Ancient civilizations of Mexico and Central America. Indians of Mexico; Indians of Central America. T11K LESSER CIVILIZATIONS 139 Zapotecan Culture. In the state of Oaxacafthe ZapotecaD Indians attained to a high degree of civiliza- tion but a study of their art shows that they were greatly indebted to the Mayas for decorative motives. Montr Alban, the principal archaeological site in point of size seems also to he the most ancient. Stela? arc. Fig. 52. Comparison of Mayan and Zapotecan Serpent Heads. The first two examples are from Palenque and the second two from Monte Alban. found at this city, as well as narrow vaulted chambers. The crest of a mountain overlooking the beautiful valley of Oaxaca is leveled and terraced and laid out in courts surrounded by pyramids. The sides of all structures are aligned with the four directions of the compass. The temples which once crowned the pyra- mids have fallen into ruin and only here and there is it possible to discern the outline of simple cell-like rooms that probably had flat roofs. Unfortunately, no traditions have come down to us to help in the restoration of Zapotecan history. Al- though the art was pretty clearly derived from the Mayas it nevertheless developed some interesting characters of its own. Sculptured slabs are found in a number of localities besides Monte Alban, but only at this ruin are they in situ and of great size. The typical Zapotecan pottery is found at Monte Alban but the most elaborate forms are found at other and apparently later ruins. Zapotecan art in stone flourished in a restricted area and only one ruin outside the Valley. Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original Spinden, Herbert Joseph, 1879-1967. New York
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