San José Mogote

The very old ruined site of San José Mogote lies about 10km/6mi north-west of Oaxaca on the MEX 190 to Guadalupe. Between 1150-850 bc this was the most important of the several settlements in Oaxaca Valley; it was then superseded by Monte Albán between 600 and 500 bc.

A stone and adobe building dating from the heyday of the site bears reliefs depicting a jaguar's head and vultures, the oldest stone sculptures yet found in Oaxaca. Between 800-600 bc a relief slab was made, which served as the threshold of a building, depicting a naked, writhing figure, reminiscent of the later "danzantes" of Monte Albán I.

Reconstructed tombs can be seen with other exhibits in the small museum.