Existing comment:
Zoomorph P:
Quirigua Monument 16: West Side:
The bas-relief sculpture of this large boulder, called a zoomorph, contains intricately carved symbols placed over the entire body of a crocodilian monster. This Cosmic Monster of mythology floats in the primordial sea of the Underworld. The monument was erected and dedicated by the Maya ruler Kuch X'ib' on September 15, AD 795 to honor the ending of a five-year time period in the Maya calendar. It is also intended to represent the third stone of the Cosmic Hearth, the Water Throne Stone, as well as a symbolic throne for the ruler.
This side of the monument clearly illustrates the versatility and skill of the sculptors at Quirigua in the late Maya Classic Period at the end of the 8th century, Covering the entire side of the monster's body in rich and detailed imagery symbols for the planets, constellations, and mythological animals pouring water on the Water Throne Stone. Twisted cords of heaven frame symbols of astronomy. |