<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><mads xmlns="http://www.loc.gov/mads/" xmlns:mods="http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.loc.gov/mads/
mads.xsd"><authority><topic authority="http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en">tzompantlis</topic></authority><related type="other"><topic>skulls</topic></related><related type="broader"><topic>stands by function</topic></related><related type="broader"><topic>racks</topic></related><variant type="other"><topic>skull rack</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>tzompantli</topic></variant> <note 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. ]]></note></mads>