Stucco head of the God of Maize discovered in Palenque

[Judi Lynn]

Last edited Tue Jun 7, 2022, 05:52 AM - Edit history (1)

The sculpture is the focal point of an offering that was apparently arranged on a pond, simulating the entry of the deity into the underworld, in an aquatic setting. Photo: Proyecto Arqueológico Palenque.

Translated by: Liz Marie Gangemi


Stucco head of the God of Maize discovered in Palenque

The sculpture is the focal point of an offering that was apparently arranged on a pond, simulating the entry of the deity into the underworld, in an aquatic setting. Photo: Proyecto Arqueológico Palenque.

Translated by: Liz Marie Gangemi

MEXICO CITY.- Specialists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), a department belonging to the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico, discovered the representation of the young Maize God in the Palenque Archaeological Zone, in Chiapas.

This is the first such finding of a stucco head of this important Mayan deity on the site. The discovery was registered in 2021 during the renovation project "Architectural Conservation and Decorative Enhancements of El Palacio", which was made possible through the Ambassadors Fund of the State Department for Cultural Preservation, sponsored by the United States Government.

During July of that year, the interdisciplinary team undertaking the initiative, which was co-directed by Archaeologist Arnoldo González Cruz and Researcher Haydeé Orea Magaña, observed a careful alignment of stones in a hallway connecting the rooms of B House of El Palacio with those of the adjacent F House.

The nose and half-open mouth of the deity emerged from inside of a semi square receptacle-formed by three walls-and covered by a layer of loose dirt.

More:
https://artdaily.cc/index.asp?int_new=147065&int_sec=11#.Yp77I6jMLDc

Also posted in Anthropology:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/12298146

[Vogon_Glory]

1. Thanks for posting!

Fascinating discovery, although the bust looks a bit worse for wear.

But then, considering how much preColumbian art was destroyed by the Spaniards, a cool find.

[Judi Lynn]

2. It is a little scuffed up, for sure. It's good the Spanish invaders didn't see it.