. Ancient civilizations of Mexico and Central America. Indians of Mexico; Indians of Central America. THE MIDDLE CIVILIZATIONS Ml Zapotecan Culture. In the State of Oaxaca the Zapotecan [ndians attained to a high degree of civiliza- tion, but a study of their culture shows they were pro- foundly indebted to the Mayas for many ideas. Monte Alban, the White Mountain, overlooking the modern City of Oaxaca was the principal archaeological site in point of size and may have been the ancient capital. It was abandoned before the coming of the Spaniards, however, and Mitla appears to have taken its pl
. Ancient civilizations of Mexico and Central America. Indians of Mexico; Indians of Central America. THE MIDDLE CIVILIZATIONS Ml Zapotecan Culture. In the State of Oaxaca the Zapotecan [ndians attained to a high degree of civiliza- tion, but a study of their culture shows they were pro- foundly indebted to the Mayas for many ideas. Monte Alban, the White Mountain, overlooking the modern City of Oaxaca was the principal archaeological site in point of size and may have been the ancient capital. It was abandoned before the coming of the Spaniards, however, and Mitla appears to have taken its Fig. 50. Comparison of Mayan and Zapotecan Serpent Heads. The first two examples are from Palenque and the second two from Monte Alban. Unfortunately no extensive traditions have come down to us to help in the restoration of Zapotecan history, nor in that of the neighboring Mixtecs. Al- though the art, hieroglyphic writing, and calendar system were pretty clearly derived from the Mayas, nevertheless there was time and opportunity for these to develop interesting characters of their own. It is impossible to tell from the record whether the Zapotecs ever embarked on a career of empire: the area in which the characteristic products are found is practically limited to the area at present occupied by the tribe. A single beaut iful temple at the famous ruin of Xochicalco, far to the northwest of the Zapotecan area (see p. loS) - -how points of close similarity in sculptural art. Monte Alban and Mitla stand in strong contrast to each other, the first crowning a mountain ridge, the second occupying a valley site. Monte Alban has no. 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 [American Museum Press]
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