Funerary Mask of K’inich Janaab’ Pakal I

Title: Funerary Mask of K’inich Janaab’ Pakal I
Description: This funerary mask is made of pieces of jadeite in the form of a mosaic. It depicts Pakal, a ruler of Palenque (r. 615-683 CE). Jadeite was considered highly valuable because it was difficult to obtain. Jadeite was related to death, immortality, and rebirth. Thus, using jadeite to adorn the body was a way to immortalize Pakal and secure his transition into the afterlife.
Creator: unknown
Identifier: 05.0-01461
Date: 7th c. CE
Type: mosaic (process)
Coverage: Palenque; Chiapas; Mexico
cultural context: Maya (culture or style); Mesoamerican
Medium: jade (rock); obsidian
Subject: Death mask; Maya art
height: 25.6 cm
width: 18.8 cm
depth: 10.6 cm
Rights
Rights Holder: National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico