Panel 3 of Piedras Negras

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Human: For its artistic refinement and aesthetic conception, Panel 3 stands as the most extraordinary example of Classic Maya sculpture. Commissioned by the 7th ruler's command, it represents the commemoration of K'atun's jubilee of his father, ruler 4, attested by other members of the royal family, local nobles and visitors of Yaxchilán. Its composition, framed in a hieroglyphic frame, consists of three groups of human figures. In the center, ruler 4 presides over a throne, seated with poise. Both his elaborate headdress, adorned with quetzal feathers, and the ornaments on his belt and loincloth made of interwoven canvas were masterfully drawn. The right arm, now lost, probably stretched upwards, while the left one rests on the edge of the throne. Behind the figure of the sovereign is a cushion of jaguar skin, and in the background, the back of the throne is distinguished, sculpted with iconographic motifs. The group on the right consists of four standing human figures: two infant princes, perhaps the future Ruler 7 and Moo Ahk Chak of La Mar, accompanied by two adult courtiers who bear the titles "wise" and "librarian" respectively. On the left, there is a group of three standing noblemen carved in high relief. They present their hands crossed on the chest in an attitude of reverence towards the ruler. The one closest to the king may be Yoaat B'alamli, a ruler of Yaxchilán apparently exiled in Piedras Negras. Below the throne is a row of seven sajalob, secondary lords, seated in profile, admirably sculpted, in perfect proportions. It is almost certain that everyone was originally wearing headdresses; the character closest to the central front part of the throne has the head of an elongated bill heron. Unfortunately, the heads of the other figures destroyed appear in front of it; but it is probable that they were sculpted in full rounded on top of the depression that forms the throne. The content of the extensive inscription consists of 158 hieroglyphs divided into 14 groups, with six dates taking place over a period of eight years. In the end, the death of Governor 4 is mentioned in 757 AD, his funeral two days later before temple O-13, and the re-entry to his tomb by Ruler 7 in 782 AD. This object can be downloaded without any base here. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source community effort; if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.