Maya Empire, Late Classic (600-900 AD) Scene of victory of a Mayan temple This limestone lintel belongs to a series of three panels commissioned by Bird Jaguar IV Structure of Yaxchilan No. 21, was at some point, located above the entrance portal of the central chamber. The image of Bird Jaguar IV dominates the scene as a prisoner lying at her feet. Bird Jaguar wears the same clothing warrior wears his father Lintel Structure No. 26 No. 23 and carrying a spear in his right hand. The Prisoner of Bird Jaguar was arrested probably in 752 AD in a battle between local rivals City, as is apparent in the first two prints seen in the upper left corner of the lintel.The prisoner is seen holding a broken umbrella in her right hand, an attribute of warriors defeated. The scenes depicting the public display of prisoners are common in Maya art. In general, illustrates the preparation of the rituals of blood collection. In this piece, we see drops of blood in the nose and cheek of the prisoner. The capture of sacrificial victims was an essential facet in Maya warfare as they were needed for various rituals.The rituals of ascension, for example, consisted in the offering of human sacrifices that marked the enthronement of a new ruler.
Source: Yaxchilan, Mexico