Copán
600 × 1200 Copán

Stela N (East Side)

Stela N was erected by K’ak’ Yipyaj Chan K’awiil (otherwise known as Smoke Shell) in the year 761AD. It sits at the foot of the stairs of Structure 11, which is also known as the Temple of Inscriptions, under which it is thought lies the body of Smoke Shell, the 15th ruler of Copan. The text reads, from the top:

[1] of the year [2] 9.. [3] 16 Winikhaab’ [4] 10 Haab’ [5] 0 Winik [6] 0 K’in [7] 1 Ahaw [8] ? [9] The edge of the book [10] ?? God [11] It was the first tying [12] Mihil K‘uh Chapaaht [13] it was the sprout name of [14] 30 days [15] 3 Chakat [16] it was planted into the ground [17] ??-Pas [18] Haa’l [19] ?? [20] ?-?-aj 1

(click here to read about the stelae of Copan).

© Robin Heyworth – Photo taken 9th February 2002

East side view of Stela N at Quirigua