Differences in the classic period mortuary treatment of adults and children in the Valley of Oaxaca

Abstract

In size and architectural monumentality, Monte Albán dominated the Valley of Oaxaca during the Classic period (ca. 50–850CE). The magnificent mortuary offerings, including painted tomb murals, of this period have been the focus of research into Zapotec mortuary practices across the Valley of Oaxaca, although burial contexts from this period also have been studied at other settlements. Despite this research, the remains of human children and their burial contexts have been largely ignored. Our main goal is to characterize, compare, and contrast the Classic-period mortuary practices for Zapotec children with those for adults. A previous hypothesis based on evidence from Teotihuacán and Monte Albán asserted that children in Mesoamerica were buried differently than adults. Although such differences may have been practiced at large urban centers, we endeavor to examine whether similar distinctions are evidenced at Classic period secondary sites in the Valley of Oaxaca. Our research tests this question in respect to mortuary practices through the analysis of 175 individuals, excavated in 15 different households from five archaeological sites, Atzompa, Lambityeco, the Mitla Fortress, El Palmillo, and Ejutla, all large, secondary settlements during the Classic period.