Ritual Mask of Mayan King

Archaeologists digging in Mexico’s Palenque ruins have uncovered the mask believed to represent the 7th-century Mayan ruler K’inich Janaab Pakal, commonly known a Pakal the Great — one of ancient Mexico’s most prolific figures. Having become King at the age of 12, under Pakal the Great’s  68-year-long reign of the ancient city of Palenque. As it prospered he instructed the building of its finest architecture. Palenque was a Mayan city state in southern Mexico dating from about 226 BC to AD 800. It is located near the Usumacinta River in the Mexican state of Chiapas.The newly discovered mask depicts Pakal in his old age at the end of his reign, a perfect rendition to accompany him on his way to eternity.

Masks were essential components within Mayan rituals and ceremonies. On the left is the recently found mask of Pakal. An earlier sculpture of him is shown on the right for comparison. We also want to show you part of Palenque. There is much more to the site including a pyramid that was hollow with burial chambers inside.

I was their in 1956, shortly after it was discovered, and had the pleasure of exploring the inside. It was a Mexican holiday so all of the workers were gone. Of course, the artifacts had been removed and taken to the museum in Mexico City. This was one of the most exciting experiences of my life.

Palenque was discovered in my lifetime. There are other cities. Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Mayan people. Tikal’s great rival was Calakmul, another powerful city in the Petén Basin. In the southeast, Copán was the most important city. Palenque and Yaxchilán were the most powerful cities in the Usumacinta region. In the north of the Maya area, Coba was the most important Maya capital. Finally we have some history of the great Mayan civilization.