Ritual Mask of Legendary 7th century Maya King Pakal the Great has been unearthed in Mexico

Archaeologists digging in Mexico’s Palenque ruins have uncovered a mask believed to represent the 7th-century Maya ruler K’inich Janaab Pakal, commonly known a ‘Pakal the Great’ – one of ancient Mexico’s most prolific figures. Having become King at the age of 12, under Pakal the Great’s  68-year-long reign the ancient city of Palenque prospered and he instructed the building of its finest architecture. The newly discovered mask depicts Pakal in his old age at the end of his reign, a perfect rendition to accompany him on his way, according to a Reuters report.

Palenque, anciently known as Lakamha (literally: “Big Water”), was a Maya city state in southern Mexico dating from about 226 BC to AD 800. Located near the Usumacinta River in the Mexican state of Chiapas, about 130 km (81 mi) south of Ciudad del Carmen. The scientists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) who discovered the mask, were equally as delighted with “other ritual objects” buried with it, such as: “ceramic figures, carved bones and flints” which were all excavated while working at “House E of Palenque’s Palace building” according to the Reuters report.

The palace and watchtower at Palenque. (CC BY 3.0)