THE LESSER CIVILIZATIONS 139 
Zapotecan Culture. In the state of Oaxaca"the 
Zapotecan Indians attained to a high degree of civiliza- 
tion but a study of their art shows that they were 
greatly indebted to the Mayas for decorative motives. 
Monte Alban, the principal archeological site in point 
of size seems also to be the most ancient. Stele are 
Fig. 52. Comparison of Mayan and Zapotecan Serpent 
Heads. ‘The first two examples are from Palenque and the second 
two from Monte Alban. 
found at this city, as well as narrow vaulted chambers. 
The crest of a mountain overlooking the beautiful 
valley of Oaxaca is leveled and terraced and laid out 
in courts surrounded by pyramids. The sides of all 
structures are aligned with the four directions of the 
compass. ‘The temples which once crowned the pyra- 
mids have fallen into ruin and only here and there is it 
possible to discern the outline of simple cell-like rooms 
that probably had flat roofs. 
Unfortunately, no traditions have come down to us 
to help in the restoration of Zapotecan history. AI- 
though the art was pretty clearly derived from the 
Mayas it nevertheless developed some _ interesting 
characters of its own. Sculptured slabs are found in a 
number of localities besides Monte Alban, but only at 
this ruin are they in situ and of great size. The typical 
Zapotecan pottery is found at Monte Alban but the 
most elaborate forms are found at other and apparently 
later ruins. Zapotecan art in stone flourished in a 
restricted area and only one ruin outside the Valley 
