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Front Face of a Stela (Free-standing Stone with Relief), 692. Creator: Unknown
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Front Face of a Stela (Free-standing Stone with Relief), 692. Creator: Unknown
Front Face of a Stela (Free-standing Stone with Relief), 692. In stone sculpture, Maya rulers celebrated the milestones of their reigns with flamboyant portraits like this image of a royal woman, created to mark the passage of a twenty-year period known as the k atun. She originally stood in a plaza next to a portrait of her spouse (see photo), with whom she ruled El Peru-Waka, a provincial Maya town. A member of the powerful dynasty of a nearby Maya center, she seems to have held higher authority than her husband, serving as a military governor. Her costume reflects her status: the headdress has a fan of green quetzal feathers and her jewelry probably refers to jade-both among the most prized of ancient materials. Jade beads also may form the net over her garment, belted with the head of a fish-like creature. Completing the costume are the scepter and shield she grasps in her hands. The dwarf at her side may be a court attendant. The hieroglyphic text refers to important dynastic dates
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Media ID 19618679
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Classic Period Guatemala Limestone Mesoamerica
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the front face of a stela, a free-standing stone with relief, dating back to 692. Created by an unknown artist, this stone sculpture represents the artistic prowess and cultural significance of the Maya civilization. In ancient Maya society, rulers commemorated significant milestones in their reigns through elaborate portraits like this one. This particular image depicts a royal woman who played a prominent role in governing El Peru-Waka, a provincial Maya town. Interestingly, she held higher authority than her spouse and served as a military governor. The woman's regal status is evident from her attire and accessories. Her headdress boasts an impressive fan of green quetzal feathers - symbols of prestige and wealth in ancient times. The jewelry adorning her person likely includes precious jade pieces, highly valued among the Mayans for its beauty and spiritual significance. Additionally, her garment features intricate netting made from jade beads that are belted with the head of a fish-like creature. In her hands, she confidently holds onto both a scepter and shield - emblems of power and protection. Notably standing by her side is what appears to be a court attendant or dwarf companion. Together they form an intriguing composition that speaks volumes about Mayan social hierarchies. The hieroglyphic text accompanying this artwork references important dynastic dates further emphasizing its historical importance within Maya culture.
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