Monte Alban - Part 2

The ruins of this ancient civilization is near Oaxaca City in southern Mexico.

For more interesting information read the previous blogpost: Monte Alban - Part 1

Tim Keep, Steve Stetler, Shane Craycraft and Marc Sankey.

Monte Alban - Part 1

During one of his visits to southern Mexico, Steve was able to visit this fascinating place.

This is what Wikipedia has to say about it, "Monte Albán is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site in the Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán Municipality in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca (17.043° N, 96.767°W). The site is located on a low mountainous range rising above the plain in the central section of the Valley of Oaxaca where the latter's northern Etla, eastern Tlacolula, and southern Zimatlán & Ocotlán (or Valle Grande) branches meet. The present-day state capital Oaxaca City is located approximately 9 km (6 mi) east of Monte Albán.

The partially excavated civic-ceremonial center of the Monte Albán site is situated atop an artificially-leveled ridge, which with an elevation of about 1,940 m (6,400 ft) above mean sea level rises some 400 m (1,300 ft) from the valley floor, in an easily defensible location. In addition to the aforementioned monumental core, the site is characterized by several hundred artificial terraces, and a dozen clusters of mounded architecture covering the entire ridgeline and surrounding flanks (Blanton 1978). The archaeological ruins on the nearby Atzompa and El Gallo hills to the north are traditionally considered to be an integral part of the ancient city as well.

Besides being one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica, Monte Albán's importance stems also from its role as the pre-eminent Zapotec socio-political and economic center for close to a thousand years. Founded toward the end of the Middle Formative period at around 500 BC..."

Oaxaca Market - Part 2

Beans, corn and rice for sale at the city market.

Fish fresh from the Pacific.

Cakes and pastries.

Potatoes, cactus, corn and avocadoes.

Chicken, pig intestines and onions on the grill.

Cleaning out a pig's head.

Meat hanging in the market.

Fresh fruit for sale.

Oaxaca Market - Part 1

From the looks of this picture on the wall, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were here!

This shop sells the black pottery for which Oaxaca is known.

More pottery.

Fresh, tropical fruit for sale at the market.

Fresh (?) meat for sale at the tropical market. ;o)

More fruit...

More meat (being cut on the premises).

Fresh fruit Salad.

The Family Business

Some families in Mexico support themselves by selling different items: fruit, snocones, newspapers, balloons, toys, purses, clothing, snacks, drinks, etc. Usually this is done along a busy city street where they will have a chance to attract many customers.

This multi-generational family is selling woven products in Oaxaca City.

They do much of their production work onsite both to interest passersby and to redeem the time. They are usually at their post of duty from sunup to sundown.

Textiles

Many countries south of the US border are known for their rich tradition of intricate weaving of beautiful fabrics.

These scarves were displayed in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Beautifully designed woven purses, bookmarks, balls, napkins, etc.

A talented lady weaving near the market in Oaxaca City.

Street Market in Oaxaca.

Musicians

Guitarists serenading the diners in an outdoor cafe in Oaxaca City.

String band and singers performing for a restaurant crowd.

An indigenous group in native garb, performs for a nighttime crowd outside a city cathedral.

Marimba players in the center plaza.

Saxophonist performing for tips.

Choir and band performance in Oaxaca City.

Flowers in Oaxaca City

Poinsettias line the city center courtyards in this nighttime picture.

Beautiful cut flowers for sale at the city market.

Poinsettias downtown during the day.