<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><metadata xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"  xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:dcterms="http://purl.org/dc/terms/"><dc:title xml:lang="en">tzompantlis</dc:title><dc:identifier>http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en?tema=31320664</dc:identifier><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:publisher xml:lang="en">Getty Institute</dc:publisher><dcterms:created>2026-03-30 20:26:26</dcterms:created><dcterms:isPartOf xsi:type="dcterms:URI">http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en</dcterms:isPartOf><dcterms:isPartOf xml:lang="en">Tesaurus d&apos;Art i Arquitectura</dcterms:isPartOf><dc:format>text/html</dc:format> <dcterms:alternative xml:lang="en">skull rack</dcterms:alternative> <dcterms:alternative xml:lang="en">tzompantli</dcterms:alternative> <dc:description xml:lang="en"><![CDATA[ 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. ]]></dc:description></metadata>