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.
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.
Written by urgent.news from Live Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.