Antique Zapotec Funerary Urn Vase Pre-Columbian Monte Albán III
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Description
Antique Zapotec Funerary Urn Vase Pre-Columbian Monte Albán III - Makes a great vase or home decor artifact investment piece - Good Condition given age - Measures 5 1/2" H x 3" W ... This Zapotec Figural Funerary Urn is a compelling example of the Monte Albán III period (approx. 200–600 AD), originating from the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. These urns are hallmark artifacts of Zapotec mortuary culture, typically placed at the entrances or within the niches of high-status tombs. This piece features a seated deity or "companion" figure—scholars now believe these often represent ancestors dressed in the regalia of gods—emerging from a cylindrical vessel. The figure is shown with a traditional elaborate headdress and is holding a disembodied head or mask, a powerful motif in Zapotec iconography related to lineage and sacrifice.
In good antique condition, this urn is made of the characteristic unpainted grayware (ceramic) found throughout the Monte Albán site. It exhibits an authentic, aged texture with scattered surface wear and a light mineral patina that reflects its significant history. The cylindrical vase attached to the back remains intact, which was historically used to hold perishable offerings like maize or pulque. This is a sophisticated investment piece for collectors of Pre-Columbian art or those looking to add a touch of ancient Mesoamerican history to a curated space.
