Death mask of the Maya king, Pakal
One of the most amazing archaeological discoveries of the 20th century was the tomb of Pakal, the most famous ancient Maya king known today.
Learn more about Pakal and Palenque
Pakal ruled over Palenque (in modern-day Chiapas, Mexico) in the 7th century, and he had his tomb constructed beneath the Temple of the Inscriptions. Inside the tomb was his massive sarcophagus.
Among the many amazing things discovered inside the tomb, Pakal's death mask is surely one of the most remarkable! It's made of pieces of bright green jade. Pakal remains eternally youthful and also transforms into the Maize God!
Main artwork:
Mask of Pakal, c. 683 CE, jadeite, shell, and obsidian from the tomb of K'inich Janaab' Pakal, Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico (National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City)
National Learning Standards
World History
NSS-WH.5-12.4 ERA 4: EXPANDING ZONES OF EXCHANGE AND ENCOUNTER, 300-1000 CE
