Mayan Treasures


Altar V


Located near the base of Temple IV, Altar V is especially sophisticated. With a diameter of more than five feet, this bas-relief clearly reveals the detail of the iconography. The scene depicts two individuals adorned in full regalia. Every aspect of the sculpted picture is significant. The skull and bones at the bottom center of the drawing accentuates the revered nature of death, and prominent role that it played in Mayan society during the time. Some believe that its significance is related to a katun-ending celebration, (twenty years).


Greenstone Mask Mayan Skull Altar V Stela X Mosaic Mask Treasures