View of the Zapotec in Oaxaca
by Mark Tisdale
Title
View of the Zapotec in Oaxaca
Artist
Mark Tisdale
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
I found the ruins known today as Monte Alban in Oaxaca truly amazing. The people who called this place home are known today as Zapotecs or The Cloud People. And when you look at that amazing view, you understand why, don't you? These temples sit upon a hill or mountain (I guess the distinction is relative). The city below now sits atop where many of the commoners would have lived. The ruins seen here would have belonged to the upper echelons.
In fact, we were told the spot where this photo was taken is where the rulers would have spoken to their people. Imagine the audience filling up the plaza before you. And there was another plaza behind this spot as well!
So much of what we know about these ancient people, though, is conjecture, based on the little material culture left. Imagine trying to understand our society without written records. With only our most important buildings preserved and most durable art, we'd be quite the enigma as well.
There's an ineffable feeling standing amongst ancient ruins for me. Perhaps for you too if you're an armchair archaeologist (or a real one). It's as if the ghosts of the Cloud People are there but just out of sight. I see their buildings and I can almost imagine them standing here with me looking out at the view of the valley below. It's the magic of ancient places. Almost touching but never quite understanding.
Note: Monte Alban is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site.
Uploaded
May 15th, 2013
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