Dainzu Archaeological Ruins
Oaxaca Mexico
Travel And Tour Photos And Pictures

George And Audrey DeLange

Dainzú (dain-ZOO), a historic site, in central Oaxaca, Mexico, 16 mi/25 km SE of Oaxaca, on a dirt road, off Mexican Highway 190, between Oaxaca and Mitla. Alhough most of this once large city remains un-excavated, what is known suggests that the city was largely contemporary with Monte Alban. The ruins here are one of the best sites in the area. Dainzú is at the base of a west-facing defensible hill with a beautiful view of the Tlacolula valley. The name Dainzú is derived from the Zapotec danni (meaning hill) and zu (meaning organ cactus). Dainzú was occupied from about 600 B.C. to 1200 A.D. It reached its zenith between 600 B.C. and 200 A.D.Many stone carvings depicting ballplayers have been found at this site and it is thought that the ballgame may have had special significance at Dainzú. The three main structures have been named: Building A, Building B and the Ball Court Area. The most impressive structure at Dainzu is Building A which is built into a defensible position hillside overlooking a nearby stream. It has four platforms constructed with stone and mud morter. At the south end of Building A at the "Gallery Of Monumental Sculpture" are a set of about 17stone carvings, which mainly show ballplayers at the Juego de Pelota, or ballcourt playing the ballgame. The ballplayers stone bas-relief gallery shows the ball players dressed in feline garments, wearing gloves, feline like masks and they are holding a small ball in their hands. It is assumed that the four Deities that seem to be the Four Gods of Fire who blessed the ball game and are also included in these rock carvings. Located on the Western slope below Building A are outlying structures, including temples, patios, stairways, and a cistern. A ballcourt is located SW of Building A futher down the slope. The court, shaped as a double "I" has been partially rebuilt. It features two lateral platforms, sustained by a wall carved in stone that forms the court. The ball court dates to about 1,000 AC. This site has been built on artificial terraces, which are displayed in oblique positions, from the lower side of the valley over the western end of the hill. This is what gives the place its name. The main construction is formed by three intercommunicated buildings that feature different staircases, terraces, yards and rooms. The buildings architectural style and organization have defined them as the administrative center for this ancient village. We are including photos of all the ballplayer and deity carvings we could locate from the shelter of Building A. Building B. This building is a huge platform, surrounded by different staircases, yards and rooms, all divided by stone walls. One of the most outstanding sights here is the Jaguar Tomb. The tomb is carved in stone in the shape of a jaguar with the lintel forming the head and the doorjambs forming its front legs. Also included in Structure B is the Amarillo Temple which faces West and was painted with yellow ocre, probably for religious reasons.