The scepter of K'awiil signifies the hierarchy within Mayan culture. The scepter is to scale in the picture above, only the ruler was permitted to carry the artifact. The artifact is carved from white jade, a unique and significant material for the Mayans. The jade emphasizes the rankings within the culture, only the most official were allotted such beautiful stones, such as the rare white jade. The artifact is intricately carved on every facade, showing the physical and mental dedication put into crafting the scepter and highlighting the importance of K'awiil and the ruler holding it. The god K'awiil or God K is a pivotal Mayan deity. God K represents physical and mental fertility and functioned as a god of royal descent, promising 'innumerable generations'. God K is easily identifiable, with the flaming torch rising from his forehead and a serpent for a foot. The scepter of God K was used as a means to transcend realms and conjure the gods to partake in ritualistic dance or allow the ruler to transform into a deity. The transcendence that is taking place is not over time, but rather throughout space. The mortal ruler that is chosen by the divine, conjures God K and he emerges through smoke to participate in the ritual. The dances were mostly for everyone, but the prestigious class within Mayan society stood closest to the activities. The community would fill the vast spaces within Uxmal, gathering to watch the supernatural festivities. The dancers would also transform into supernatural beings or important animals in Mayan culture such as the snake or jaguar. Dancing was an integral part of Mayan life; the scepter was used in more ceremonial forms of dance, but the Mayans danced daily to connect themselves with the otherworldly.
Showing posts with label Mayan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mayan. Show all posts
Friday, November 12, 2010
Artifact: Mayan Scepter
The scepter of K'awiil signifies the hierarchy within Mayan culture. The scepter is to scale in the picture above, only the ruler was permitted to carry the artifact. The artifact is carved from white jade, a unique and significant material for the Mayans. The jade emphasizes the rankings within the culture, only the most official were allotted such beautiful stones, such as the rare white jade. The artifact is intricately carved on every facade, showing the physical and mental dedication put into crafting the scepter and highlighting the importance of K'awiil and the ruler holding it. The god K'awiil or God K is a pivotal Mayan deity. God K represents physical and mental fertility and functioned as a god of royal descent, promising 'innumerable generations'. God K is easily identifiable, with the flaming torch rising from his forehead and a serpent for a foot. The scepter of God K was used as a means to transcend realms and conjure the gods to partake in ritualistic dance or allow the ruler to transform into a deity. The transcendence that is taking place is not over time, but rather throughout space. The mortal ruler that is chosen by the divine, conjures God K and he emerges through smoke to participate in the ritual. The dances were mostly for everyone, but the prestigious class within Mayan society stood closest to the activities. The community would fill the vast spaces within Uxmal, gathering to watch the supernatural festivities. The dancers would also transform into supernatural beings or important animals in Mayan culture such as the snake or jaguar. Dancing was an integral part of Mayan life; the scepter was used in more ceremonial forms of dance, but the Mayans danced daily to connect themselves with the otherworldly.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Artifact
The Mayan Scepter of the god K'awiil, represented by lightning and the essence of mental and physical fertility. The intricate working of white jade on all sides, signifies the importance of this god in particular. K'awiil was an integral part of the Maize God's power, he would emerge in smoke when conjured. The scepter was used to connect the ruler and his people with the cosmos by transforming them into a deity or demi-god or conjuring gods and ancestors to participate in dances. God K is considered one of the most identifiable Maya gods, with his snaky face, serpent for a foot and flaming torch protruding from the forehead.
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