As early as 700 BCE, the Zapotec people had developed into a complex society, living the city of Monte Alban, with lords ruling over them. But around 700 CE, Monte Alban’s power began to fade. Archaeological evidence has recently been found showing that Zapotec nobles around that time were practicing private rituals celebrating their personal power. Maybe they needed the ego boost as they watched their own power evaporate?
Excavations at Dainzu-Macuilxochitl unearthed a temple connected to a residence for nobles. At the residence, they found two pierced human jawbones dating to around 700 CE – one of which was carved. Yes, that’s a human jawbone up there.
The archaeologists think the jawbones likely belonged to venerated ancestors, and were worn as adornments during rituals focusing on the importance of the Zapotec nobles’ hereditary power. Nothing says “my ancestors were important, powerful people” like carving up their jawbones and wearing them as jewelry, am I right?
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