Zapotec Terracotta Sculpture

Sometime between 500-450 B.C., the Zapotec people began to build the great city of Mount Alban. By the time this intriguing sculpture was made, the Zapotecs had firmly established a flourishing and powerful state. The figure wears a headdress comprised of a central avian figure and two extensions protruding outwards from his head. He holds his hands under his chin and wears two large ear spools. The power of this figure is worthy of a people who left behind fascinating art and considerable mystery.