<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><!DOCTYPE Zthes SYSTEM "http://zthes.z3950.org/xml/zthes-05.dtd">  <Zthes><term><termId>31320664</termId><termName>tzompantlis</termName><termType>PT</termType><termNote><![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. ]]></termNote><termCreatedDate>2026-03-30 20:26:26</termCreatedDate><relation><relationType>UF</relationType><termId>31320665</termId><termName>skull rack</termName><termType>ND</termType></relation><relation><relationType>UF</relationType><termId>31320666</termId><termName>tzompantli</termName><termType>ND</termType></relation><relation><relationType>BT</relationType><termId>31447776</termId><termName>stands by function</termName><termType>PT</termType></relation><relation><relationType>BT</relationType><termId>31306206</termId><termName>racks</termName><termType>PT</termType></relation><relation><relationType>RT</relationType><termId>31339801</termId><termName>skulls</termName><termType>PT</termType></relation></term>  </Zthes>