A mountainous state in southern Mexico, Oaxaca is frequently shaken by earthquakes. The city of Oaxaca, founded by the Spaniards 400 years ago, is in a valley, "the richest and most populous section of the State," Monte Alban, Richest Archeological Find in America: A Tomb in Oaxaca, Mexico, Yields Treasures Which Reveal the Splendid Culture of the Mixtecs, Dr. Alfonso Caso, National Geographic Magazine, October, 1932, p. 487.
Prior to reading this article, I was not aware of ancient highly civilized cultures in that area other than the Aztecs and Mayas. Dr. Caso felt like the Mixtecs and Zapotecs were superior in some respects. He started a significant archeological "dig" at nearby Monte Alban in pursuit of proof of his theory.
Monte Alban at that time (1932) was a "vast unexplored area" with "hundreds of mounds, many of them doubtless rich in relics of forgotten civilizations and promising stupendous possibilities for future discovery. Fortunately, the author found the field untouched save for a few tombs that had been opened and emptied of their contents," (photo caption, p. 489).
Dr. Caso and his team chose their first mound to excavate and "guiding ourselves by the lines of rubbish apparent, we discovered the last steps of the grand stairway leading up to the building. Upon completion . . . it was found that the stairway was nearly 130 feet wide by 42 feet high and consisted of 33 steps," (p. 491).
The author next excavated more than a half-dozen tombs which were found devoid of objects, meaning that they had previously been dug into and pirated. Dr. Caso found another tomb to be intact. "On the threshold, or vestibule, separating the two chambers of the tomb, and in the center of a great pile of bones, glittered objects of gold - beads, little bells, etc. Strung on the arm bones of one of the skeletons were ten bracelets, six of gold and four of silver. . . Upon lighting the floor of the tomb, we found it aglow with pearls, golden beads, and innumerable small, flat pieces of turquoise that at one time had composed a rich mosaic. . . As we left the tomb I realized the incalculable richness of my discovery from a material, an artistic, and a scientific viewpoint. I had no knowledge of any previous discovery in America of such a treasure . . . Despite the fact that it was then 6 o'clock in the afternoon, I resolved to work all night and uncover the entrance to the tomb as quickly as possible," (p. 489). Imagine the excitement!
More than 500 artifacts were cataloged from this one tomb, objects made from metal, minerals, pearl, and even crocodile and wolf teeth. Also found were intricate "Mixtec carvings on jaguar and deer bones. . . The use of all save the comb and sacrificial knives remains a mystery," (photo caption, p. 506). "The bones are cut in high relief and the work is so exquisite that it would not be surpassed by the finest products of China and India in ivory," (p. 512).
Although multiple beautiful and unique articles were found, basic questions were unanswered. Dr. Caso revealed, "My object in undertaking this research is to gather data that will make it possible to read the Zapotecan writings and to establish the relation between the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs with the Mayas and the Mexicans," (p. 512). I will look forward to future articles on this topic in National Geographic Magazine.
(Personal comment: no wonder I love museums! I love Heritage. Who knows? Maybe I'm a museum myself! I start another personal travel adventure early tomorrow morning. I hope I get adequate internet coverage there to report to you. You'll read about it, sooner or later!)
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