Tag Archives: Pre-Columbian Art

Sarcophagus Lid, Pakal Transitioning from Life to Death, c. 675 BCE, Temple of the Inscriptions, Palenque, Chiapas, Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Pakal: The Original Starman

Beneath the stepped pyramid of the Temple of Inscriptions, down a steep stairway and in a small chamber, rests the tomb of K’inich Janaab’ Pakal. The ancient Mayan king Pakal, part political leader and part living god, ascended to the … Continue reading

Bloodletting Ritual of Lady Xoc, Lintel 24 of Structure 23, Maya site of Yaxchilan, Chiapas, Mexico, Photo by Michel wal via Wikimedia Commons, GNU Free Documentation License.

Bloodletting with Lady Xoc: A Woman’s Work is Never Done

One of the things that come with the job of being a Mayan queen is the pain and blood loss associated with conjuring up royal ancestors.  It was required of her office so that the Gods would continue to allow, … Continue reading