1000Places : photos : 2005-Route of the Maya- powered by SmugMug

We follow in the footsteps of the ancient Maya.

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1000places > COPAN, HONDURAS - While the numerous stelae of Copan's rulers display the skill of Maya sculptors, so too do the several larger-than-life heads that are scattered through the site.

1000places > COPAN, HONDURAS - Were these great stone heads meant to portray gods or rulers....? [This one is believed to be a great jaguar deity relief panel situated atop the western stairway of the East Court.]

1000places > COPAN, HONDURAS - ...or were others just the fanciful carvings of Maya stone masons with a sense of humor?

1000places > COPAN, HONDURAS - Perhaps the most famous of the carved heads is this one called the "Old Man of Copan."

1000places > COPAN, HONDURAS - Throughout the ruins, there are strange zoomorphic carvings, including this "monkey god" that paid homage to one of the Maya's most honored professions - the royal scribe.

1000places > COPAN, HONDURAS - A dancing bear, perhaps? Probably a jaguar or puma.

1000places > COPAN, HONDURAS - We pose in front of Temple 22 in the East Court. Yes, the temple too was built by 18-Rabbit. But it was constructed using mud mortar which required constant and careful maintenance to ensure that its plaster seal did not leak and weaken the walls. Once the Copanecs no longer maintained it, it deteriorated and collapsed.

1000places > COPAN, HONDURAS - Today we have only fragments of the beautiful sculptures that once decorated Temple 22 and the East Court -pieces found lying in the grass.

1000places > COPAN, HONDURAS - At the top of Temple 22 is a doorway called "The Mouth of the Monster." We thought it a nice place for a "we were there" photo. Only afterwards did we notice the intricate carvings and hidden skull heads surrounding the platform behind us.

COPAN, HONDURAS - While the numerous stelae of Copan's rulers display the skill of Maya sculptors, so too do the several larger-than-life heads that are scattered through the site.

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Keywords: maya copan honduras

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