Copán
500 × 667 Copán

Decoration on Stela C

This is a close up of one of the many curious decorations that embellish Stela C. It looks a bit like a man with goofy teeth, a long curling moustache and flowing beard.The curling irises are thought to indicate the hypnotic powers of the Gods, the curling moustache is also more likely to be the curling fangs that are seen regularly on the serpent monsters. The tongue hanging out is indicative of a thirst for blood. The long curling beard is actually blood spurting from the neck and this whole image is that of the decapitated Maize God (click here to read about the stelae of Copan).

© Robin Heyworth – Photo taken 9th February 2002

Decoration on Stela C