Deciphering Ancient Zapotec Glyphs: A 1,300-Year-Old Frieze Reveals Cosmic Beliefs
The Discovery of a Historic Frieze
In the ancient archaeological site of Atzompa, nestled within the Oaxaca Valley of Mexico, researchers have uncovered a remarkable 50-foot-long limestone and stucco frieze adorned with intricate Zapotec glyphs. Dating back to between 650 and 850 C.E., this frieze represents one of the most extensive examples of Zapotec writing ever discovered.
Intricate Iconography and Cosmic Symbolism
The frieze’s iconography is rich with symbolism, offering insights into the beliefs and practices of the Mixtecs and Zapotecs, two of Mexico’s largest indigenous cultures. Depicted in high-relief glyphs are a quetzal bird, monkeys, jaguars, and supernatural protective figures, alluding to the cosmic world that the Zapotecs believed in.
Furthermore, the frieze features figurative and numerical representations of the Mixtec calendar’s year of the lizard, as well as the quincunx, a geometric design that symbolizes the four directions and the center of the universe.
The Significance of the Frieze
According to researchers from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the glyphs on the frieze convey messages of power, supernatural protection, and the concept of a timeless existence. The frieze’s prominent placement on the main façade of the Casa del Sur suggests that it served as a public display of authority and a means of communicating important cultural and religious beliefs.
Zapotec Civilization and Monte Albán
Monte Albán, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a major Zapotec city founded between the seventh and ninth centuries B.C.E. Over time, it became a thriving hub inhabited by the Zapotecs, Mixtecs, and Olmecs. Atzompa was established as a satellite city to Monte Albán around 650 C.E., serving as a strategic outpost and a waypoint for transporting quarried stone for construction.
Preserving and Restoring Ancient Artifacts
The limestone and stucco materials used in the frieze require specialized handling and restoration techniques. INAH researchers emphasize the importance of preserving this artifact, recognizing it as one of the most significant pieces in the institution’s conservation priorities.
Unveiling the Past Through Archaeological Discoveries
The decipherment of the Zapotec glyphs on the frieze provides valuable insights into the beliefs, practices, and artistic traditions of ancient Mexican civilizations. Archaeological discoveries like these continue to enrich our understanding of the rich cultural heritage of indigenous cultures.