Stelae

Stelae (also stela) are tall stone slabs with sculpted or inscribed surfaces. They often commemorate events or persons and are usually related to the function of the building they are facing.

Styles vary greatly; they can be single or double faced, carved or sculpted, hieroglyphs or portrayals. Many Mayan Stelae are believed to have been painted.

Maya Stelae began in 400 BC and became popular during the Classic Period (250–900 AD) and virtually every Mayan site had stelae in their ceremonial center. The earliest example was found in Tikal in Guatemala. Calakmul is said to have over 166 stelae.

The earliest examples portrayed mythological scenes and then morphed into monuments raised to glorify the king and record his triumphs. The concept of the divine Kingship (the King as a God) was most prevalent during the Classic Period (20 to 900 AD) and stelae ceased around 910 AD.

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