Funerary urn 600 - 900

This ceramic funerary urn was created by the Zapotec people of Oaxaca, Mexico. It is a hollow vessel in the shape of a seated figure wearing elaborate regalia. The Zapotec civilization, which thrived from about 500 BCE to 1000 CE, had a highly stratified society. The elite class was believed to have a divine connection and were often depicted in elaborate clothing and jewelry. This figure embodies that status. The urn likely contained the ashes or remains of an important person. These objects offer an interesting look at the social and religious beliefs of the Zapotec. The urn is not merely a container, it is a representation of identity, status, and the cyclical nature of life and death. It’s a powerful reminder of the human desire to leave a mark on the world and to be remembered after we are gone.