Tikal was the capital of a state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Though monumental architecture at the site dates back as far as the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, c. 200 to 900. During this time, the city dominated much of the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily, while interacting with areas throughout Mesoamerica such as the great metropolis of Teotihuacan in the distant Valley of Mexico. There is evidence that one of Tikal's great ruling dynasties was founded by conquerors from Teotihuacan in the 4th century AD. Following the end of the Late Classic Period, no new major monuments were built at Tikal and there is evidence that elite palaces were burned. These events were coupled with a gradual population decline, culminating with the site's abandonment by the end of the 10th century. Discovered in Tomb #160, broken in 174 pieces. The restoration was accomplished with the aid of illustrations from some stelae. It was the burial mask of a Maya noble, and was made of serpentine (face), red jasper (ears and lips), shell and obsidian (eyes) and jade (ear flares). An article describing this mask was published in the September 1987 issue of The National Geographic. Currently housed in the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología (No. 11082), in Guatemala City.
Funeral Mask
jade, serpentine, shell, jasper, obsidian
Tikal, Peten
200-500 CE
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