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The most spectacular discovery of twentieth-century Mesoamerican archeology was Tomb 7 at Monte Albán. In it were found silver objects with a total weight of 325 grams, including a vessel (the largest silver object known from pre-Columbian Mexico), bracelets, tweezers, plaques, rings, and bells. There were also 121 gold objects with a total weight of 3,598.7 grams, including pectorals, garment ornaments, pendants, rings, necklaces, tweezers, ear ornaments, and other objects. Carved bones, turquoise mosaics, and objects carved of precious stone added to the already rich array of status items. Careful study of the stylistic motifs and workmanship techiques of this "jewelry" showed its clearest analogs to be from Coixtlahuaca and other sites in teh Mixteca Alta as well as items depicted in the Mixtec codices of that region.

Of the tombs so far excavated, the most famous is Tomb 7, next to the parking lot on the east side. It yielded some 500 pieces of gold, amber, and turquoise jewelry, as well as silver, alabaster, and bone art objects. Unfortunately, the tomb itself is rarely open to the public.

The amazing treasures from Tomb 7 are on permanent display at the Centro Cultural de Santo Domingo (Culture Center of Santo Domingo; also known as the Regional Museum).

The lighting in the Tomb Seven display room is very dim and the display lights are in a position that causes reflections from the display cases. Flash photography is prohibited. This makes photography almost impossible. We suggest digital cameras or high speed film when taking photographs in this area. This would be an area where a tripod would be helpful for slow exposure time photography and the extra fee for the use of a tripod would be worth the money that you would need to pay. If you plan to photograph this area allow extra time into your schedule. Here are just a few samples of the treasure of Monte Alban Archaeological Ruins Tomb 7. Photos at left, from top: • Carved Stone Cup • Gold Necklace with Jade and   Coral • Gold Necklace • Gold Necklace • Jade Ornaments

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