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Front face of a stela: A 1,300-year-old carving of a powerful Maya 'Lady Supreme Warlord' that weighs over 2 tons

This monumental carving depicts a powerful Maya queen called Lady K'abel, who ruled an ancient city in Guatemala at the end of the seventh century.

Front face of a stela: A 1,300-year-old carving of a powerful Maya 'Lady Supreme Warlord' that weighs over 2 tons

A limestone carving, measuring over 9 feet tall and weighing about 2,500 pounds, depicts a powerful Maya lady supreme warlord named Lady K abel. This A.D. 692 masterpiece was carved in Petén, Guatemala, and was likely erected to mark the end of a 20-year period in the Maya calendar. Lady K abel, also referred to as Ix Kaloomte, ruled El Perú-Waka as the military governor, and may have led an army from the city of Calakmul against the city of Tikal.

She is depicted in finery, wearing a fan of quetzal feathers, a netted garment and necklace made of jade beads, and carrying a scepter and a circular shield. The stela was created to celebrate 20 years of her rule and honor her divine status, connecting her with themes of creation, renewal, and rebirth.

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