Cacaxtla figural ceramics

Abstract

This paper examines the figural ceramics of Cacaxtla, Tlaxcala, Mexico, particularly the group of architectural decorations known as the "Once Señores de Cacaxtla," found in 1998, and a pair of figural urns discovered during excavations of the acropolis. These objects offer valuable counterpoints to the evidence offered by the murals of the site. In particular, we argue that unlike the murals, the Once Señores demonstrate a deep stylistic and iconographic engagement with the art of Teotihuacan, suggesting considerable time depth for the site of Cacaxtla and a long-standing tradition of using art to negotiate challenging political circumstances.