vessel; figure; funerary urnCultures/periods: ZapotecProduction date: 200 BC - AD 800Findspot: Oax
vessel; figure; funerary urn Cultures/periods: ZapotecProduction date: 200 BC - AD 800Findspot: Oaxaca Provenience unknown, possibly looted Pottery offering vessel or funerary urn in the form of a human figure, probably an ancestor, seated cross-legged; funnel-shaped headdress extending over the shoulders; nose ornament; circular earplugs; round the neck a twisted rope with ornamental pendant. McEwan 2009Funerary urns representing revered ancestors were buried with deceased rulers in tombs surrounding the central plaza of the Zapotec capital, Monte Alban. The seated figures wear masks and headdresses embodying supernatural forces and beings such as the storm or thunder gods. Some are identified by year signs and name glyphs taken from the 260-day ritual calendar that are displayed on the chest ornament. The tombs were visited repeatedly over many generations as the focus for royal ancestor worship. Offerings of burning incense, fresh blood, chocolate and fermented “pulque” were made to entreat the ancestors to intercede favourably in human affairs. British Museum -- source link
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