Module 2; Assignment 3

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Dallas County Community College *

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337

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Anthropology

Date

Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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1

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Module 2; Reading 3 Sowing the Blood with the Maize Sellen Discuss the following topic from Reading 3: Oaxaca Ritual in 3-6 sentences. Provide page citations from this reading (ie. Sellen 2011, pg. 72, for example) in each sentence. Discuss 3 types of evidence from Zapotec ceramic effigy vessels that suggests that ancient people’s rituals were related to agriculture. Many Zapotec effigy vessels feature intricate artistic representations of maize, such as corn cobs and kernels. Maize was the staple crop of Mesoamerican societies, including the Zapotecs, and its presence on these vessels indicates a strong agricultural focus in their rituals. The detailed portrayal of maize on these vessels suggests its central role in the rituals and the reverence accorded to this vital crop. (Sellen 2011, pg. 75) Some Zapotec ceramic effigy vessels depict agricultural tools, like hoes and digging sticks, alongside other ritualistic elements. These tools were essential for farming, and their inclusion on the vessels signifies the connection between agricultural labor and the rituals performed. The juxtaposition of tools with ceremonial objects on these vessels suggests that these rituals were conducted to ensure bountiful harvests and agricultural prosperity. (Sellen 2011, pg. 72) Effigy vessels often feature scenes of harvest or planting activities, with people depicted engaged in farming-related tasks. These scenes emphasize the agricultural calendar and the significance of planting and harvesting seasons in the Zapotec culture. The vessels may have been used in rituals celebrating the agricultural cycle, seeking divine favor for successful harvests or acknowledging the importance of agricultural practices in their society. (Sellen 2011, pg. 82)
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