Skip to main content
Cast of part of Temple of the Sun, middle tablet
Object Number 92-50-20/C1120.2
Display Title Cast of part of Temple of the Sun, middle tablet
Descriptions
Object Description Cast of tablet of the Sun - Palenque. One of three panels that fit together. Palenque, Tablet of the Sun Maya, A.D. 681 Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico The Palenque ruler K'inich Kan Balam (Sun Snake Jaguar) dedicated this tablet to the Sun God, one of the three patron deities of the city and its royal dynasty. Two very similar tablets were placed in separate temples dedicated to two other gods, and the three are known collectively as "The Palenque Triad." The Sun God, K'inich Ajaw, was often presented as a deity of war, a theme indicated here by a ceremonial shield and two crossed spears that dominate the center of the tablet. The standing figures, seen here presenting offerings to the sacred emblem, are portraits of the king-one as an eight-year-old child in an initi[see Object Description text entry for extended description]
Inventory Description Cast, rectangular, medium relief, two figures holding sun, tan
Cast Name PAL_TMPL_Sun_Middle
Classification
  • Cast
Keywords
  • Exhibition (vertical)
  • Section of monument
  • Paper mould
  • Good
  • Cast preserves more
  • Finished
Department Archaeological
Date A.D. 681
Artist Désiré Charnay
Culture
  • Maya
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Central America / Mexico / Chiapas / <County> / <City> / Palenque
Intrasite Temple of the Sun
Materials Plaster, Wood, Burlap, Pigment
Dimensions Overall: 247 x 183 x 4 cm (97 1/4 x 72 1/16 x 1 9/16 in.) Overall, Weight: 55337.25 g (55.337 kg)
Quantity 1
Label on object C1120.2

Important Note about Historical Language

Collections records may contain language, reflecting past collecting practices and methods of analysis, that is no longer acceptable. The Peabody Museum is committed to addressing the problem of offensive and discriminatory language present in its database. Our museum staff are continually updating these records, adding to and improving content. We welcome your feedback and any questions or concerns you may want to share. Please email us with your comments.