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Object Number
2001.1.625
Display Title
Cast of part of Stela 8, Seibal; upper section
Descriptions
Object Description
Cast of Stela 8, upper section 2.C;
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, upper portion of figure, elaborate headress, glyphs, golden brown
Cast Name
SBL_St_8_upper
Classification
- Cast
Keywords
- Paper mould
- Section of monument
- Cast preserves more
- Good
- Finished
- Storage (flat)
Department
Archaeological
Date
A.D. 849
Culture
- Maya
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Central America
/
Guatemala
/
Peten
/
<County>
/
<City>
/
Seibal
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Burlap, Pigment, Shellac
Dimensions
Overall: 129 x 117 x 4.5 cm (50 13/16 x 46 1/16 x 1 3/4 in.)
Overall, Weight: 46492.36 g (46.492 kg)
Quantity
1
Label on object
2001.1.625; 2.C
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