Skull racks or similar constructions used in Mesoamerica to display the heads or skulls of sacrificed human victims, or platforms carved with human skulls to resemble such a rack. Tzompantlis were usually placed near temples or ballcourts. Those displaying real skulls comprised a wooden framework supporting skulls skewered on horizontal poles run through holes drilled through the temples. Tzompantlis took a variety of forms and seem to have served several functions: altars and venues for ritual; displays of Aztec prowess; and to terrorize subjugated populations.
