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Birds are prominent in Mesoamerican life and religion, both as characters in cosmology and as sources of regal ornamentation. This unique piece seems to relate an important building, probably a throne room, wherein resides an avian character. Although the meaning of this is very likely religious, any explanation remains speculative for now.


Building housing a bird
Zapotec
Late Pre-Classic (200 B.C. - 100 A.D.)
Monte Albán, State of Oaxaca
Clay with yellow and red pigments
30 x 22 cm.
National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico.

Photo © Jorge Pérez de Lara