Lintel 17 of Yaxchilán Structure 21

3D Model

Lintel 17 of Yaxchilán Structure 21

16°53‘57.51”N, 90°57‘52.13”W

Carved from limestone, this lintel was once part of a three lintel series from Structure 21 illustrating the accession rituals of Lord Bird Jaguar IV (Yaxun B’alam IV). It was originally set above the southeast doorway of Structure 21’s central room, but the structure had collapsed before its rediscovery.

In this scene, Bird Jaguar IV sits opposite one of his wives, Lady Mut Bahlam of Hiix Witz, while she performs a blood sacrifice by drawing a rope through her tongue. The lintel is thought to have been created between 755-770 CE. Currently on display at the British Museum

Translations from Harvard Peabody