Honduras - Stelae and Altars in Copan

by Günther Eichhorn

The Stelae in Copán are extraordinary. They have extensive inscriptions and sculptures. The Stelae all have an altar associated with them, placed in front of the stela. These altars are associated with blood letting ceremonies.

The hieroglyphs on the Stelae describe the ruler that built them, and the reason, like ascension to the throne, or a significant calendar event.

Numbers in hieroglyphs on the Stelae are easy to identify. The numbers from 1 to 4 are one to four dots. 5 is represented by a bar. For instance this picture shows the hieroglyph of the 13^th ruler of Copán, indicated by two bars (2*5=10), and three dots):

See Copán Temples for a description of the Temples. The rulers of Copán are described at Maya ruler genealogy.

Click on a Stela to go to pictures for that Stela.

Stela A

Stela A is located in the Plaza de las Estellas. The original of this stela is in the Sculpture Museum. Stela A is perhaps the most beautiful of all the Stelae in Copán. It was dedicated on 9.14.19.8.12 (30 January, 731 CE). It portrays the 13^th ruler of Copán Waxaklajun Ub'aah K'awiil (18 Rabbit, see Maya ruler genealogy) carrying a two-headed centipede bar that is symbolically giving birth to sun deities. In the headdress is a woven mat design with four centipedes in the corners. Small figures that crouch at his feet and in his headdress seem to represent the sun at different stages of its daily and yearly cycles.

The inscription on Stela A outlines the erection of the monument on the date of 12 Ahaw 18 Cumku, the month period is also 1 day before the end of the solar year. It represents the convergence of several cycles at that time with the iconography predominantly a solar theme. The inscription continues on the west side, with the erection of the monument, its name - The Great Sun (solar deity), then a distance number of 60 days (3 winals). It continues with the dedication date of Stelae H (4 Ahaw 18 Muan) which began the tzol k'in cycle. It then gives us the name of Stelae H, then launches into a very interesting passage. This passage tells what rituals 18 Rabbit performed in the 60 day tzol k'in division between Stelae H and A. It concerns the death, afterlife, and rites of veneration of an ancestral ruler - Cauc Chan or Fire Serpent.

Stela A and its altar, viewed from Temple 4. (477k) Stela A, viewed from Temple 4. (625k) Front view of Stela A. (605k) Front view of Stela A. (592k) Original of Stela A in the Sculpture Museum. (349k)
Closeup of the face of the 13^th ruler, 18 Rabbit with elaborate headdress. (503k) Closeup of the face of the 13^th ruler, 18 Rabbit with elaborate headdress. (412k) Closeup of the face of the 13^th ruler, 18 Rabbit with elaborate headdress. (518k) Back up Stela A with hieroglyphic inscriptions. (541k) One of the hieroglyphs. (499k)
One of the hieroglyphs. (553k) This is the hieroglyph for the 13^th ruler of Copán (two bars and three dots). (562k) This is the hieroglyph for 18 Rabbit, the 13^th ruler of Copán (three bars and three dots). (545k) Altar of Stela A. (584k)

Stela B

The original of Stela B is located in the Plaza de las Estellas. Like Steal A, it was build by 18 Rabbit. It was dedicated on 9.15.0.3.0 12 Ajaw 13 Mac (22 August 731 CE) It portrays the 13^th ruler of Copán Waxaklajun Ubaah K'awiil (18 Rabbit, see Maya ruler genealogy) during his accession to the throne.

Stela B, showing the 13^th ruler of Copán, 18 Rabbit. (631k) Closer view of the figure of 18 Rabbit on Stela B. (570k) Closeup of 18 Rabbit. (552k) Side view of Stela B with hieroglyphic inscriptions. (615k) Back view of Stela B with hieroglyphic inscriptions. (566k)

Stela C

Stela C was carved to commemorate the first katun ending after the accession of the 13^th ruler of Copán, Waxaklajuun Ub'aah K'awiil (18 Rabbit) on 9.14.0.0.0 (December 5, 711 A.D.). It is carved on both sides so that it he is facing both the rising and setting sun. The two faces show a young face on the east side and an old face on the west side. On the west side of Stela C is a turtle shaped altar known as the Cosmic Turtle.

West face of Stela C. Note the red paint still visible. (587k) East face of Stela C with red paint remains. (578k) Closeup of the east face of Stela C. (490k)

Stela D

Stela D is also located in in the Plaza de las Estellas. It too was build by Waxaklajuun Ub'aah K'awiil (18 Rabbit), in 736 CE, a few years after Stelae A and B. It was dedicated on the hotun of the cycle that began with Stela B. It was the final stone monument of the great king who raised it. Standing at the base of Temple 2, it is the northern stela of the Great Plaza and faces south toward the north stairway of Temple 4. Its eloquent imagery presents 18-Rabbit in the guise of an old god.

The ruler wears an actual mask that covers the greater part of his face, with large oval openings left around his eyes and mouth so that the viewer can identify him within his disguise. This is a "very undiagnostic mask," although it may represent the old sun god. The mask has the features of an aged face, with prominently sagging jowls, wrinkles that surround the lips, and nearly toothless gums. An oval cartouche that fills the forehead of the mask probably held a mirror sign for brightness. A short, squarish length of beard like that which 18 Rabbit wears on Stela B seems to be part of the mask. The king's hair flares away from his face, falling in long locks just in front of his ear spools.

Stela D (747k) Closer view of 18 Rabbit on Stela D. (643k) Closer view of 18 Rabbit on Stela D. (583k) Side view of Stela D. (670k) Closeup of Stela D. (616k)
Altar in front of Stela D with fearsome representations of Chac, the rain god. (662k) Another view of the altar of Stela D. (611k)

This altar is also known as na-chan by the locals and holds a two-headed image of the Cosmic Monster, one side in skeletal form signifying death and a living form on the other signifying rebirth. A special text appears at each side of the body; on the north side it reads "in the land of Yax Pasaj Chaan Yoaat", on the south side is the glyph for "Yahau Chan Ah Bac", who is emerging from the body. This engraving of a non- king in a public monument gave the half brother the role of protagonist in the political affairs of Copán.

Altar G1 (601k) Altar G2 (669k) Altar G3 (595k) Original of Altar G1 in the Sculpture Museum. (410k)

Stela H

Stela H is also located in in the Plaza de las Estellas. It was dedicated on 9.14.19.5.0 (4 Ahaw 18 Muan), 1 December, 730 CE and shows the 13^th ruler of Copán, Waxaklajuun Ub'aah K'awiil (18 Rabbit) in the role of the Maize God as he danced at Creation. In the Classic-period story of Creation, the Maize Gods are the central characters in the drama that explains the processes of death and rebirth through confrontation with the Lords of Death in Xibalba. Classic-period imagery shows the Maize Gods being reborn from a snake, growing from infancy to adulthood, and being dressed in full regalia by beautiful young women. This regalia included a net skirt, a fish monster-and-shell belt, and a huge back rack carrying one of three animals who would become the Throne Stones of the Cosmic Hearth.

Once fully dressed, the Maize Gods danced in the company of dwarfs and began the activities that led to the Fourth Creation. Waxaklajuun Ub'aah K'awiil reenacts this dance on Stela H, and to reinforce his identity, he wears a huge zoomorphic Maize God headdress with the leaves and ear of the plant arching over his head.

Stela H (672k) Stela H seen from Temple 4. (570k) Head of Rabbit 18 with Maize God headdress on Stela H. (708k) Closeup of the head and headdress on Stela H. (675k) Back of Stela H with hieroglyphs and sculptures. (529k)
Closeup of the sculpture on the top back of Stela H. (482k)

Stela I

Stela I is also located in in the Plaza de las Estellas. Stela I records early dates: 8.6.0.0.0 10 Ahau 13 Ch'en (160 CE) and 8.6.0.10.8 10 Lamat 16 Pop (161 CE), in connection with some political event like foundation. It seems to refer to somebody that was associated with another place. The figure seems to depict not a ruler but somebody important from somewhere else.

The Stela itself may be from 692 CE, it was build under Chan Imix K'awiil or Smoke Jaguar, ruler 12.

Stela I, sitting at the end of a corridor in the east terraces of the Plaza de las Estellas. (616k) Closeup of the sculpture of the figure with headdress. It is in a much flatter style than the other Stelae in the Plaza. (640k) Closeup of the ornaments on the body of the figure. (572k)

Altar L

Altar L is located on top of terraces at the head of the Ball Court, next to Stela 2, but not directly associated with it.

Copán's Dynasty lasted from about 465 A.D. to perhaps precisely 822 A.D. The date of the collapse is based on the texts inscribed on Altar L, a monument intended to commemorate Ukit Took', the reigning ruler who was never officially crowned. On this altar two figures are carved: the first one is that of Ukit Took' and the other is Yax Pasaj Chan Yoaat (Yax Pac). Although Yax Pasaj Chan Yoaat is the official last king of the dynasty (as seen on Altar Q ) the text on the altar clearly states Ukit Took' as succeeding him to the throne. Altar L was never finished, so this points out to problems that arose suddenly around the Valley. What really did happen? We may never know for sure, but as research advances in Copán we are getting more clues, perhaps one day we may know what happened during Copán's final hour.

Figure of Yax Pasaj Chan Yoaat on Altar L. (634k) Figure of Ukit Took' on Altar L. (669k)

Stela M

Stela M is located in front of the Hieroglyphic Stairway on Temple 26. It was dedicated by K'ak' Yipyaj Chan K'awiil (Smoke Shell). The Stela is from 756 CE.

The altar of this Stela shows a plumed serpent with a human head emerging from its jaws.

Stela M in front of the hieroglyphic Stairway. (553k) Elaborately decorated altar in front of Stela M. (391k)

Stela N

Stela N is located south of the Great Plaza, in front of the Temple 11. It dates to 761 CE and was erected by K'ak' Yipyaj Chan K'awiil (Smoke Shell), the 15^th ruler of Copán, who ascended to the throne in 749. He also built the Hieroglyphic Stairway as well as Stela M at the base of the Stairway. K'ak' Yipyaj Chan K'awiil was the father of Yax Pasaj Chan Yoaat (Yax Pac), the last ruler of Copán and builder of Temple 11 which stands behind this stela.

A headdress resembling a bat's face adorns the figure's head on the back side of the stela, and a column of glyphs runs down the side.

Stela N in front of Temple 11. (644k) Stela N. (576k) Closeup of the face of ruler 15, Smoke Shell. (473k) Hieroglyphs on Stela N. I believe they show the numbers 19 (top), and 18 (bottom). (502k) The altar of Stela N. (507k)

Altar O

Altar O is a small altar at the base of Structure 6.

Altar O. (678k)

Stela P

Stela P is located in the Acropolis in front of Temple 16. It shows the 11^th ruler Buz' Chan. He is dressed in the royal costume of K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo', the first ruler of Copán. The Stela's dedication date is 9.9.10.0.0 2 Ajaw 13 Pop, or 21 March 623. It was erected when Rosalila, the temple now covered by Temple 16, was still in use.

Stela P (left) in front of Temple 16. The original is in the Sculpture Museum. (728k) Original of Stela P in the Sculpture Museum. (415k) Closeup of the figure on Stela P. (423k) Lower part of Stela P. (431k) Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela P. (462k)
Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela P. (483k) Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela P. (502k) Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela P. (480k) Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela P. (546k) Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela P. (423k)

Altar Q

Altar Q is located in front of Temple 16. It was dedicated 27 February, 776. It is one of the best known sculpture masterpieces to have been carved in Copán. Carved on this Altar are the representations and names of the 16 dynastic rulers of Copán from A.D. 426 to around A.D. 822 (see Maya ruler genealogy). Starting the sequence is the founder of the dynasty Yax K'uk' Mo' who is seen giving the staff of office to the king who commissioned this altar, Yax Pasaj Chaan Yoaat (Yax Pac). The date shown between the two is 6 Kaban 10 Mol, 2 July 763 CE, the year of the accession of Yax Pasaj. This is basically a public display of legitimization of power.

You can see the numbers for the date in the hieroglyphs between the two rulers in the closeup view of the date below. The top hieroglyph shows the number 6 (one dot and one bar). It has three dots, but the two outer ones have pieces cut out. They are shown only for balance, one single dot would not look good. The lower hieroglyph shows the number 10 (two bars).

On the four faces of the altar are in sequence the other fourteen recognized rulers of the dynasty, each one sitting on a glyph with his respective name. Some of these rulers are quite well known, while about others there isn't much information at all. From some of these rulers the only thing we have is the glyph they are sitting on, this could be due to the fact that any sculpture or architecture that bore their name, deeds, or dates of ascension or period termination were destroyed, reused or recycled as monument fill for monumental architecture of later kings, as per the Maya's tradition.

The original of this altar is in the Sculpture Museum, in the Acropolis is a replica.

Front face of Altar Q with the presentation of the staff of power by Yax K'uk' Mo', the founder of the dynasty and 1^st ruler of Copán (center left) to Yax Pasaj Chaan Yoaat (center right). Far left is the 2^nd ruler of Copán and far right the 15^th. (454k) Second face of Altar Q with the 3^rd though 6^th rulers of Copán (from right to left). (429k) Third face of Altar Q with the 7^th through 10^th rulers of Copán (from right to left). (396k) Fourth face of Altar Q with the 11^th through 14^th rulers of Copán (from right to left). (455k) Closer view of the presentation of the staff of power by Yax K'uk' Mo', the founder of the dynasty and 1^st ruler of Copán (center left) to Yax Pasaj Chaan Yoaat (center right). (488k)
Closeup of the date between rulers 1 and 16, indicating the accession date of ruler 16 (6 Kaban 10 Mol, 2 July 763 CE). (86k) Front face of the replica of Altar Q, located in the Acropolis. (683k)

Altar T

The original of Altar T is in the Museo Regional de Arqueología in Copán Ruínas. It commemorates the end of the first katun (7200 days, about years) after the accession to the throne of Yax Pasaj Chan Yoaat (Yax Pac), the 16^th ruler of Copán, at 783 CE.

Atop the monolithic altar the eroded relief remains of a great crocodile, outstretched afloat in a sea of fish and waterlilies. This was the way that the Maya symbolically saw their world, upon the back of a crocodile in the ocean. A procession of four supernatural figures flanks the east and west sides of this altar. The west side is headed by a macaw symbolizing the setting sun. As the rising sun, a bat leads the eastern procession.

Altar T. (478k) Figure of the 16^th ruler of Copán on Altar T. (502k) Hieroglyph on Altar T. (533k)

Altar U

The original of Altar U is in the Museo Regional de Arqueología in Copán Ruínas. It has extensive hieroglyphic inscriptions. It was dedicated by Yax Pasaj Chan Yoaat (Yax Pac, Rising Sun) in 795 CE, just five years before the last mention of his name in Copán.

The front side, pictured here, represents a colossal earth monster. Small glyphs for Ajaw, "lord," form the pupils in the monster's "Sun Eyes." The reverse side of this stone monument is inscribed with a text known as the "Rites of the Rulers," commemorating the rites performed by the new ruler Yahau Chan Ah Bac, the half-brother of Yax Pasaj under the same mother. Yahau Chan Ah Bac assumed office in this year: not with the full power of the king, but under the dynastic succession and authorization of the "Rising Sun."

Hieroglyphic inscriptions on Altar T. (421k) Front face of Altar T, showing an earth deity. (520k)

Stela 1

Stela 1 is located on the west side of Temple 9. It shows the 12^th ruler of Copán, K'ak' Nab K'awiil (Smoke Jaguar), wearing a mask. With an Initial Series date of 9.11.15.14.0 (May 3, 668 A.D.), was the earliest in-situ monument in the plaza.

Stela 1 with its altar in front. (596k)

Stela 2

Stela 2 is located at the north end of the ball court, overlooking the playing alley. It bears a portrait of the 12^th ruler of Copán, K'ak' Nab K'awiil (Smoke Jaguar), in ritual attire to celebrate the completion of an important calendaric cycle or "period ending" in 9.11.0.0.0. This dedication date corresponds to A.D. 652, twenty-nine years after the erection of Stela P.

View of Stela 2 on to of the north end of the Ball Court. (585k) Full view of Stela 2. (469k) Closeup of Smoke Jaguar, 12^th ruler of Copán, on Stela 2. (404k) Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela 2. (542k) Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela 2. (489k)

Stela 3

Stela 3 is located in the Great Plaza, in front of Temple 4. It was built by Chan Imix K'awiil (Ruler 12) on 9.10.19.5.0, commemorating the 11^th katun after his accession to the throne. This stela seems to have some astronomical significance of the placement and dedication time of this Stela.

Stela 3. (579k) Hieroglyph on Stela 3. (611k)

Stela 4

Stela 4 is located in the Plaza de las Estellas, between Stela A and Stela B. It was dedicated at 9.14.14.0.0 11 Ahau 13 Zac by 18 Rabbit.

Stela 4. (628k) Back of Stela 4 with hieroglyphic inscriptions. (594k) Hieroglyphs on Stela 4, showing the glyph for 13^th ruler left, and for 18 Rabbit right. (624k) Hieroglyph on Stela 4, showing the glyph for 18 Rabbit. (567k)

Stela 11

Stela 11 is located in the south-west corner of the Acropolis complex. Yax Pasaj in the guise of the bearded Corn God, standing upon the jaws of the Underworld that he is about to enter, appears in this Stela. Its text reads that the death of Yax Pasaj, which probably occurred around 795 CE, officially concluded the dynasty founded by Yax K'uk' Mo' in 426 by "knocking down its foundation." It was written no earlier than 801.

Stela 11 (339k) Hieroglyphs on Stela 11. (379k)

Stela 63

Stela 63 was found buried under structure 10L-26. On the Stela is the Maya date of 9.0.0.0.0, ( 9 baktuns, 0 katuns, 0 tuns, 0 uinals, 0 kins), which the rulers took to be the base-line of their dynastic history. This date was of great historical significance. Stela 63 was carved as a retrospective commemoration of the completion of one of the most important calendaric cycles for the Maya, the baktun, or period of 400 approximate (360-day) years. The 2^nd ruler of Copán, K'inich Popol Hol, was shown as the owner of this Stela. The Stela marks the completion of the 9^th baktun since the beginning of the present era, calculated to have begun in the year 3114 BC. This 'Period Ending' was a particularly important one, akin to what the years 2000 was for Western civilization; a time-marker, a point at which to pause and reflect on one's achievements as well as one's challenges for the future.

Stela 63 (376k) Hieroglyphs on Stela 63. (393k) Hieroglyphs on Stela 63. (445k) Hieroglyphs on Stela 63. (367k)

Motmot Marker

One of the most significant historical sources from this early period is also among the most enigmatic. This is the so called "Motmot" marker, named after the early classic structure in which it was found. This flat circular monument displays two richly dressed figures facing one another on either side of a hieroglyphic inscription in two columns. In some respects, this arrangement foreshadows the south side of Altar Q. Some details of the carving are eroded, but there remain enough elements to identify the left figure as Yax K'uk'Mo' and the right as his son, Ruler 2. It seems likely that this monument dates to Ruler 2's reign, in fact, and it may be among the earliest dynastic monuments from the main acropolis. The inscription is extremely difficult to decipher, but recognizable are the name glyphs of the two rulers, a date, as well as mention of certain ritual activities. The bound haunches of a deer represented by one of the glyphs in the lower left column is especially intriguing, since below the marker stone were found the bones of a sacrificed deer, along with human remains. Part of the text, then, may refer to certain specific rituals that occurred at the dedication of the stone itself.

Motmot marker. (280k)

Miscellaneous Statues

These are a few pictures of statues from the museums.

Sculpture of a leaf-nosed bat, the sign of Copán. (303k) Small statue. (287k) Small painted statue. Note the famous Maya Blue on the statue. (175k) Sculpture of a leaf-nosed bat, the sign of Copán. (303k)

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Stela A and its altar, viewed from Temple 4. (477k)	Stela A, viewed from Temple 4. (625k)	Front view of Stela A. (605k)	Front view of Stela A. (592k)	Original of Stela A in the Sculpture Museum. (349k)
Closeup of the face of the 13^th ruler, 18 Rabbit with elaborate headdress. (503k)	Closeup of the face of the 13^th ruler, 18 Rabbit with elaborate headdress. (412k)	Closeup of the face of the 13^th ruler, 18 Rabbit with elaborate headdress. (518k)	Back up Stela A with hieroglyphic inscriptions. (541k)	One of the hieroglyphs. (499k)
One of the hieroglyphs. (553k)	This is the hieroglyph for the 13^th ruler of Copán (two bars and three dots). (562k)	This is the hieroglyph for 18 Rabbit, the 13^th ruler of Copán (three bars and three dots). (545k)	Altar of Stela A. (584k)

Stela D (747k)	Closer view of 18 Rabbit on Stela D. (643k)	Closer view of 18 Rabbit on Stela D. (583k)	Side view of Stela D. (670k)	Closeup of Stela D. (616k)
Altar in front of Stela D with fearsome representations of Chac, the rain god. (662k)	Another view of the altar of Stela D. (611k)

Stela H (672k)	Stela H seen from Temple 4. (570k)	Head of Rabbit 18 with Maize God headdress on Stela H. (708k)	Closeup of the head and headdress on Stela H. (675k)	Back of Stela H with hieroglyphs and sculptures. (529k)
Closeup of the sculpture on the top back of Stela H. (482k)

Stela P (left) in front of Temple 16. The original is in the Sculpture Museum. (728k)	Original of Stela P in the Sculpture Museum. (415k)	Closeup of the figure on Stela P. (423k)	Lower part of Stela P. (431k)	Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela P. (462k)
Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela P. (483k)	Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela P. (502k)	Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela P. (480k)	Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela P. (546k)	Hieroglyphic inscription on Stela P. (423k)

Front face of Altar Q with the presentation of the staff of power by Yax K'uk' Mo', the founder of the dynasty and 1^st ruler of Copán (center left) to Yax Pasaj Chaan Yoaat (center right). Far left is the 2^nd ruler of Copán and far right the 15^th. (454k)	Second face of Altar Q with the 3^rd though 6^th rulers of Copán (from right to left). (429k)	Third face of Altar Q with the 7^th through 10^th rulers of Copán (from right to left). (396k)	Fourth face of Altar Q with the 11^th through 14^th rulers of Copán (from right to left). (455k)	Closer view of the presentation of the staff of power by Yax K'uk' Mo', the founder of the dynasty and 1^st ruler of Copán (center left) to Yax Pasaj Chaan Yoaat (center right). (488k)
Closeup of the date between rulers 1 and 16, indicating the accession date of ruler 16 (6 Kaban 10 Mol, 2 July 763 CE). (86k)	Front face of the replica of Altar Q, located in the Acropolis. (683k)