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Exploring the Early Americas The Jay I. Kislak Collection
Monumental Jaguar Sculpture (19)

Mexico. Southern Veracruz. Maya, AD 600–900.
Painted buff ceramic.
Jay I. Kislak Collection, Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress (19)

 

Monumental Jaguar Sculpture 

The jaguar is extremely important in Maya cosmology. Jaguars are not only the special patrons and protectors of kings but are also the deities representing the sun in its nocturnal aspect. Many kings selected the name “Balam” meaning “jaguar”, on ascending to the throne. This particular sculpture is unusual because it is a full figure. Originally, it may have flanked the throne of a Maya lord or king.