Funeral Urn - Zapotec Culture, Mexico - 600–900 Ad

Funeral urn
Zapotec culture, Mexico
600–900 CE
Terracotta
H.: 13.5; W.: 12 cm

This urn depicts a seated figure emerging from its cylindrical body. Clothed in a tunic, the figure is generally interpreted as a priest or a huía tao (“Great Seer”). The incised spiral motifs on either side of the figure’s eyes are also characteristic attributes of this ritual role.
The figure is more suggested than actually modeled. Composed of anatomical elements and ceremonial attributes superimposed on the surface of the vessel, it stands out from the urn’s cylindrical shape, which it almost entirely conceals when viewed from the front. The figure is adorned with earrings, a broad pectoral, and a loincloth.
These urns are generally interpreted as representations of the ancestors of the principal deceased interred in the tomb. Adorned with the attributes of deities, these ancestors served as intermediaries between the living and the supernatural world. Their presence within the tombs allowed for a connection to be established with the gods through them.
The tombs were visited regularly over the generations and served as true places of worship dedicated to the ancestors. Relatives would leave offerings there—incense, fresh blood, chocolate, and fermented pulque—to seek their protection and intercession on behalf of the living.

A thermoluminescence dating report was issued on July 8, 2014, by the QED laboratory.

Ref.: 7306

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON