Jade Mask of K'inich Janaab Pakal
by Ancient Maya (Unknown), 683
Details
- Year
- 683
- Medium
- Jade, shell, obsidian
- Size
- 24 cm × 21 cm (9.4 × 8.3 in)
The jade mosaic mask of K'inich Janaab Pakal covered the face of Palenque's greatest king when he was buried in 683 CE. Over 200 pieces of jade were assembled to recreate Pakal's features, with shell and obsidian forming the lifelike eyes. The mask transformed the deceased king into the Maize God, ensuring his resurrection and eternal rule over his dynasty.
Mexican archaeologist Alberto Ruz Lhuillier discovered Pakal's tomb in 1952 after four years of excavating through a hidden stairway in the Temple of the Inscriptions. The sarcophagus lid shows Pakal descending into the underworld, about to rise again like corn from the earth. His tomb is the only known Maya pyramid built specifically as a royal burial.
The mask is a treasure of the Museo Nacional de Antropología.
