There are four structure sets of the Western Group (From South to North);
System M
The Danzantes
Building IV Complex
Sundial Stele
System M
System M is comprised of 3 separate areas; Building M – a pyramid/temple, a large Patio and Building N – an altar. It was built between 450 and 500 AD on top of earlier buildings.
Building M with the flat top of Building N in the foreground. The photo was taken from the Northern Platform.
It has the Teotihuacan’s talud-tablero sloped panel styling and geometric moldings believed to be symbol of the Sky. This three composite structure is similar to Building IV to the North of the Danzantes
Building M is a step Pyramid built furthest West of the three areas, and therefore furthest away from the Central Plaza. It is the tallest of the buildings measuring 36 meters by 33.5 meters and is 10.3 meters high. A one room temple tops the pyramid.
The Patio is believed to have served as an outdoor amphitheater to watch the ceremonies and religious rituals atop Building M. It has low walls to the north and south.
The Patio in System M’s courtyard may have served as an amphitheater for observers to see rites conducted on the main pyramid
Building N is the altar or front temple closest to the Central Plaza.
The Danzantes
The Danzantes – sometimes referred to as building L – is one of the oldest buildings in Monte Alban. Dated at 1500 to 200 BC, it is named after the slab sculptures of human figures that were mistakenly thought to be swimming or dancing. Each of the slabs is a sculpture of its own and is not related or bound with others to make a flowing story. Of the 300 Danzantes, ½ in the Danzantes building.
The carved rocks sculptures are of nude males, eyes closed, often with distorted faces and mutilated genitals. Some wear earplugs and other jewelry and have a variety of hairstyles and ages. Some archeologists believe they have Olmec features with short chunky bodies, slanting eyes, broad foreheads and full lips.
These carvings are now believed to be representations of leaders of other cities and warriors that were defeated captured, tortured and then mutilated by severing their genitals. Some show a stylized carving of flowing blood. Some of the slabs have glyphs likely explaining the dates and names of the leader and conquest.
The original Danzantes are in Museums to protect against the elements. These are copies and placed here to give the visitor the feel for the sculptures in their original location.
Building IV Complex
Building IV Complex guards the North West corner of the main plaza and is between the Danzantes and the Northern Platform. Built around 450 to 500 AD, It is a ceremonial complex and mirrors Complex M’s theme of Pyramid/temple, patio and temple with an East-West orientation and decorative geometric design trim. Like System M, it is Teotihuacan styled with the sloped panels.
The main pyramid/temple has a broad impressive stairway leading to a series of columns likely a ceremonial center. There are two tunnels under the patio, likely used by the priests to enter and exit during rituals.
The patio has low walls on the North and south boundaries and believed to have been where the congregation of spectators watched the religious rituals on the pyramid or temple.
Sundial Stele
The stele just to the North of Building IV Complex was built in 100 to 300 AD and looks like a hand with the index finger pointing to the sky. It is 5.8 meters tall and has glyphs on the eastern side – one representing the water sign. The western side has markings that relate to the calendar dates 5 cane and 9 monkey.
The Stele is an astronomical and timekeeping monument and marks mid-day and the spring and fall solstices.