Stela 21 (New Stela), Nim Li Punit, Belize

3D Model

This stela is particularly interesting as it was almost missed by archaeologists because it was originally located face down on the ground. Stela 21 was first reported in 1976 as an unmarked stela, but it wasn’t until 1998 that workers decided to flip it and discovered the hieroglyphs in almost pristine condition. In fact, the glyphs in this stela are some of the best-preserved stelae texts and images in the Maya World.

The text makes reference to another “fire” ritual, similar to the one depicted in Stela 15.