Altar 1 from Naranjo, Peten
Early Classic (A.D. 250 - 600)
In the lowlands the Classic period witnessed the use of hieroglyphic writing as the principal means of communication on monumental art. The hieroglyphic texts carved onto Maya sculpture usually refer to kings, their ancestry, relations with the gods, ritual activities and in many cases their victories in battle. The text that was delicately inscribed into altar 1 from Naranjo, Peten refers to the dynastic history of the site, beginning with the mythological ancestors of the local dynasty's founders. It then tells of several ceremonies involving the site's ruler, and gives both his mother's and father's name. A medallion with images of death in the center of the monument seems to refer to a deceased predecessor. The altar was dedicated in AD 593, as indicated by the dates recorded in the text. The numbers, done in the bar and dot system, are easily distinguished. This system combines bars that represent the number five with dots that correspond to single units.
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Altar 1 from Naranjo, Peten
Northern lowlands
Early Classic (250 DC- 600 A.D.)
Height 61 cm; Width 82 cm; Thickness 14 cm |
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