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Archaeological Sites: Dainzú
Description
This site's name comes from the Zapoteca word "danni",
which means mountain or hill and "zu", which is Zapoteca
for Cacti. Therefore, Dainzu means "Cacti Mountain". The
site was explored for the first time in 1965 by Mexican Archaeologist
Ignacio Bernal, who came to find evidence of occupation from 750
AD until 1,000 AC. The most interesting point is a stone bas-relief
gallery, that presents ball players, dressed in Pre-Hispanic garment,
involved in some kind of violent activity. Another sight worth seeing
is the portrait of four figures that seem to be the Four Gods of
Fire.
This site has been built on artificial
terraces, which are displayed in oblique positions, from the lower
side of the valley over the western end of the hill. This is what
gives the place its name. The main construction is formed by three
intercommunicated buildings that feature different staircases, terraces,
yards and rooms. The buildings architectural style and organization
have helped define them as the administrative control centre for
this ancient Pre-Hispanic village. The site's influence extends
as far as the current town of Macuilxochitl.
The three buildings have been
named as: Building A, Building G and ball Game.
Building
A
This site is composed by a pyramidal base that features four bodies,
all the corners are rounded and the buildings feature a central
staircase. On top of the pyramid, a group of walls that might have
been used to accommodate the inhabitants' quarters, can be found.
Inside this accommodations, there are two more stairways that served
as an accessing way to these rooms. The most important constructions
are located in the southern side of the fourth building: A series
of stone bas-relieves, representing the Ball Players. The athletes
are portrayed wearing gloves, feline like masks and they hold a
small ball in their hands. It is assumed that the four Deities that
blessed the game are included in this portraits. The latter can
be described as delightful imprints. On top of the hill, there are
the sculptures of other masks and ball player heads displayed, these
too are engraved in stone.
Building
G
This construction is a huge platform, surrounded by different staircases,
yards and rooms, all divided by stone walls. The most outstanding
sight here is the trail of some important local character and what
is assumed to be his tombstone. This tombstone is carved in stone
and its lintels and jambs portray the image of a jaguar.
Ball
Court
This space has been classified as the ball playing court. The court,
shaped as a double 'T', has been partially rebuilt. It features
two lateral platforms, sustained by a wall carved in stone that
shapes the court in slopes. Chronologically, it has been reported
to date back to 1,000 AC. Interestingly enough, due to the court's
construction's date, it is not possible to relate it to the Ball
Players' portraits, located in the site's main building.
Location
This Archaeological zone is located 12.43 miles southeast of Oaxaca
City, off Federal Highway 190, headed for Istmo de Tehuantepec.
The site is approximately 300 m. away from the before mentioned
highway, driving through an unpaved deviation that is close to the
road's 20 km. sign. Estimated traveling time: 30 min.
Archaeological Sites
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