Existing comment:
Zoomorph P (north side):
Dedicated on September 15, AD 795, this intricately carved boulder is an extraordinary example of the beauty and skill found in the bas-relief sculpture of the late Maya Classic Period. It is called a "zoomorph" because it is shaped as a mythical animal, the Cosmic Monster, a waterbeast that swims in the primordial sea of the Underworld.. The numerous symbols of aquatic imagery indicate that it also represents the thirds stone of the Creation, the Water Throne Stone. Scrolls from the mouth of the crocodilian monster surround small images of the Lightning God, Chaak. Several mythological animals pour water over the throne. Waterlily leaves with flowers adorn the snout of the monster.
The ruler Kuch Xib' dedicated the zoomorph to commemorate the ending of an important time period in the Maya calendar. He is seated in the maw of the monster dressed in ceremonial costume holding a serpent scepter with the image of K'awil, the god of royal authority. At the top of his feather headdress is an image of the patron god of the Maya mouth Pax. He wears the jade jewelry and earflares of royalty. Kuch Xib' is seated at an opening into the center of the sacred Mountain of Creation from where the gods and rulers derive their power.
Hieroglyphic Inscription:
Surrounding the image of the Quirigua ruler are 14 cartouches (glyphs in oval frames) which mention the establishment of a ruling dynasty at the Maya site of Copan in AD 425. Members of this elite dynasty founded by Yax K'uk'Mo', rules both Copan and the nearby smaller site of Quirigua for nearly 400 years during times of political alliance and independence. The hieroglyphic text flows from one cartouche to the next around the eyes and mouth of the monster from left to right and lists the names of early rulers at Quirigua and those deified in mythology. It concludes with reference to recent history by mentioning K'ak'Tiliw, the powerful king who preceded Kuch Xib'. |