Monte Albán — Adoratorio

The Adoratorio is a sunken altar or shrine in the center of Monte Albán’s Main Plaza, possibly dating to the site’s late phase or Mixtec period, serving ceremonial functions with associated burials yielding significant artifacts like the jade bat mask.

The Adoratorio, also known as Adoratorio Central or Sunken Patio, is a sunken altar located between the central buildings (G, H, I) and the eastern range (near Building P) in Monte Albán’s Main Plaza, dating to approximately AD 900–1500 or the Mixtec period. As a multi-level platform within this Zapotec ceremonial center in Oaxaca, Mexico, it served as a shrine or altar for rituals, with associated burials yielding high-quality artifacts like the famous jade bat mask. Its significance lies in reflecting late-phase or Mixtec use of the site, providing insights into cultural transitions and ritual practices at Monte Albán. [1] [3]

Location and layout

The Adoratorio is situated in the center of Monte Albán’s Main Plaza, which measures approximately 300 m (984 ft) by 200 m (656 ft), positioned directly in front of the staircase of Building H, between the three central buildings (G, H, I) and the eastern range including Building P. The layout is a sunken multi-level platform, flat in the ground with two tunnel entrances—one on the west and one on the east—facilitating movement. This configuration emphasizes its role as a focal point in the plaza’s division, relating to the site’s processional and ceremonial design. [3] [4]

Architecture and construction

Constructed during Monte Albán V (AD 900–1500) or the Mixtec period, the Adoratorio is a sunken multi-level stone platform, likely built with local materials. It includes tunnel entrances suggesting connections to other structures, such as a Phase II tunnel linking to Building P. The design reflects late-period adaptations, without major structural changes noted. [3] [5]

Sculpture and epigraphy

The Adoratorio lacks prominent sculpture or epigraphy, but associated burials include high-quality items like a jade bat mask and a ceremonial vessel with glyphs representing water and streams, evoking celestial symbolism. These reflect Mixtec or late Zapotec iconography tied to ritual themes. [3] [1]

Archaeological research

Excavated during Alfonso Caso’s 1931–1953 Monte Albán Project, the Adoratorio yielded a multi-person sacrificial burial and artifacts like the jade bat mask. Studies speculate tunnels allowed priestly ‘magic’ appearances. Modern research confirms its late date, with consensus on ceremonial function amid cultural transitions. [3] [7]

Visiting notes

Visitors can view the Adoratorio from the Main Plaza, noting its sunken position and tunnels, following a path that highlights its central role. [4]

Related MAHC WIKI entries

Main Plaza
Building H
Building P
Building G

References

Sullivan, Mary Ann. (n.d.). “Monte Albán: Buildings on east side of Grand Plaza.” Bluffton University. https://homepages.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/mexico/oaxaca/montealban/eastside.html. Description of Adoratorio and artifacts.
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (1987). “Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán.” https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/415/. Site context.
The Silk Route. “Mexico: Monte Alban.” https://www.the-silk-route.co.uk/mexicoMonteAlban.htm. Detailed on location, artifacts, and tunnels.
Life on the Roam. “The Ultimate Guide to Visit the Ruins of Monte Alban in Oaxaca.” https://lifeontheroam.com/monte-alban-oaxaca/. Visitor notes and description.
On the Road in Mexico. “Monte Albán – Central Plaza Buildings.” https://www.ontheroadin.com/Mexico Archeology/Monte Alban – Central Plaza Buildings.htm. Layout details.
Marcus, Joyce, and Kent V. Flannery. (1996). Zapotec Civilization. Thames & Hudson. General context.
Wikipedia contributors. “Monte Albán.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Alb%C3%A1n. Site overview.
Sailing Stone Travel. (2023). “Visiting Monte Albán.” https://sailingstonetravel.com/visiting-monte-alban/. Visiting info.