What is a stela?
A stela is a slab of stone carved in relief, this is a common type of art the Mayans utilized. The stelas in Tikal gives a glimpse on the Mayans perspective on their sociopolitical structure and religion. Many of their stelas portray a ruler, sometimes they also portray an elite or priest wearing a mask impersonating a deity, depicting most likely a religious ritual/ceremony. Also, behind the stelas that depict the rulers are glyphs stating his name, history, time periods he ruled and more; they are like historical markers for the rulers.
Tikal Stela 29
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Tikal Stela 29 was found in a garbage heap badly damaged. Only the top half is recognizable, the rest seems to be gone. It looks to be intentionally damaged. One side of the stela portrays a seated ruler in profile view, wearing a nose bar. On the other side of the stela there are dates and the long count. Coming out of the ruler’s forehead are symbols related to the jester God, which means power and royalty.
Photograph by William R. Coe (1960)
Tikal Stela 4
Tikal Stela 4, was found in a burial site, unlike the other stelas mentioned before, the ruler is not in profile but he is in frontal view. According to the inscription, he was not native to Tikal, but was a foreigner and was originally from Teotihuacan. He was also the son of Spear-Thrower Owl. It is most likely frontal, because of Teotihuacan’s cultural influence. He became ruler because he married into a Mayan royal family. This stela shows some characteristics of Teotihuacan, such as; it is abstract, the large necklace, and the ear spools.
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Tikal Stela 31
This stela is carved from limestone and it is carved on all four sides. There are three figures portrayed on this stela, and all three are in profile view. Behind the stela is a lengthy inscription all about the ruler’s lineage, his name is also inscribed and it is Siyaj Chan K’awiil; which translates to Stormy Sky(ruled from 411-456 BCE), there is also historical information of Tikal prior and after the invasion of Teotihuacan, the king’s ascension to the throne, his father’s name Nun Yax Ahiin and grandfather’s name Spear-Thrower Owl (who is from Teotihuacan), and the date that warriors returned from Teotihuacan. The ruler Stormy Sky, is heavily adorned (showcasing power and wealth), wearing an elaborate dress, belt, and headdress. He also has a Mohawk hairstyle with bones in it. He is wearing a nose bar as well, a sign of power and prestige. His arm is raised up and holding his headdress, and it looks like his crowning himself, the headdress is a sign of ruler ship.
References:
Clark, J. E. "The Arts of Government in Early Mesoamerica." Annual Review of Anthropology, 26.1 (1997): 211-234.
Miller, Mary Ellen. "The Mayans." The Art of Mesoamerica: From Olmec to Aztec. 5th ed. London: Thames & Hudson, 2012. Print.
Shook, Edwin M. "Expedition." Tikal Stela 29 (1960): 28-35.
Stuart, David. Some Working Notes on the Text of Tikal Stela 31 (2011). Print.