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Object Number
2001.1.508
Display Title
Cast of part of Stela 8, Seibal; lower section
Descriptions
Object Description
Cast of part of Stela 8, lower section
Classic Maya, A.D. 849
Seibal, Guatemala
Upright stone monuments called stelae marked important stations in the Maya calendar and their associated ceremonies. On A.D. November 30, 849, a twenty-year period (a K'atun) ended, necessitating rituals such as the one commemorated here. The imposing Seibal king Wat'uk'atel is shown cradling a large barlike serpent that represents the animated sky and the celestial realm of the sun, conveying the idea of the king as world protector. The inscription states that he cast incense on this day, a ceremony that nourished the deities and renewed time and the cosmic order.
[D. Stuart, 2001]
Inventory Description
Cast, high relief, lower section, torso, legs, glyphs, golden brown pigment
Cast Name
SBL_St_8_Bottom_(shellac)
Classification
- Cast
Keywords
- Paper mould
- Storage (flat)
- Cast preserves more
- Good
- Section of monument
- Finished
Department
Archaeological
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Central America
/
Guatemala
/
Peten
/
<County>
/
<City>
/
Seibal
Intrasite
Stela 8
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Burlap, Pigment, Shellac
Dimensions
Overall: 104 x 109 x 5 cm (40 15/16 x 42 15/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Overall, Weight: 30390.13 g (30.39 kg)
Quantity
1
Label on object
2001.1.508
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