New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2007.

Lintel 24

Artist Unknown

Date600-900

MediumPlaster

DimensionsOverall, Frame: 49 x 35 x 3 3/4 in. (124.5 x 88.9 x 9.5 cm)

ClassificationsLatin American

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number0.3841

Terms

Mexico

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThis is a plaster replica of Yaxchilan, Lintel 24. It depicts King Itzamnaaj Balam III, also known as Shield Jaguar, and his wife, Lady K'ab'al Xook (Lady Xoc). He is holding a flaming torch over her while she pulls a thorny rope through her tongue, an example of a sacrificial ritual performed by Mayan nobles. Her blood is represented with scrolls around her mouth and spots on the bark paper in the basket at her feet. The glyphs above date the event to October 24, AD 709 and identify the figures, while their detailed garb and headdresses display their high status.