The spirit of the Mayan city on the mask of Kalakumul

The spirit of the Mayan 

city on the mask of Kalakumul

Calakmul was once one of the largest and most powerful Mayan cities. In religious rituals it served as a burial mask for Mayan rulers. This mask not only served as a portrait of the deceased but also represented divine attributes. The jade mask a symbol of the spirit and immortality is a significant Mayan artifact found in Necropolis 1 of Structure VII in Calakmul Mexico. It is made of jade mosaic shell and obsidian.

This sacred object believed to transform rulers into gods in the afterlife is intricately crafted from 57 small jade tiles. Four necropolises have been discovered within the pyramid and like many other temples and pyramids in Mesoamerica

Estela 89 Calakmul México  Rautenstrauch Joest Museum

the pyramid represents one of the most delicate and flourishing artistic creations in Central America. It is considered a masterpiece of ancient Mayan art. Calakmul was in intense conflict with the southern city of Tigal and the struggle between the two Mayan powers ensued.

Calacomul Structure 2: A Mayan archaeological site in Campeche state Mexico.

The mask from Kalagmul discovered within the royal tomb is one of the most important artifacts ever found believed to be from the burial site of Yuknoom Yich’aak K’ahk’ or the Last Warrior King. It is thought to have been created between 660 and 750 AD for use in the burial ceremonies of powerful Mayan kings symbolizing life energy and fertility. Inscriptions on the monument at Kalagmul indicate that it predates the 7th century and was located in the largest and most powerful ancient city ever discovered in the Mayan lowlands.