Detailed closeup, Monument 154, kneeling captive sculpture from the Late Classic, warlike Maya site Tonina in the Ocosingo Valley of Chiapas, Mexico.
The Tonina Maya ruins, located in the Chiapas region of Mexico, are a remarkable archaeological site that showcases the grandeur of the ancient Maya civilization. Occupying a mountainous area, Tonina was a major urban center from around 200 to 900 CE, thriving during the Classic Maya period. The site is notable for its impressive architecture, including a towering pyramid that rises prominently above the surrounding landscape. This pyramid, along with expansive ceremonial complexes, reflects the advanced engineering and artistic skills of the Maya. One of the distinguishing features of Tonina is its impressive seven-tiered pyramid, which is among the tallest and largest in the Maya region. The pyramid is adorned with intricate carvings and stucco panels that depict various scenes from Maya mythology and the city’s history. The layout of Tonina includes numerous platforms, plazas, and ball courts, highlighting the site’s significance as a center for religious, political, and social activities. The design of the ruins illustrates the sophisticated urban planning employed by the Maya, emphasizing their achievements in architecture. Tonina was an extremely warlike polity and conquered many large Maya sites. The iconography features many sculpted captive sacrificial figures. Artistic expression is a defining characteristic of Tonina, with detailed reliefs and sculptures that narrate the stories of rulers and deities. The site features various stucco panels, including the famous Wahoob panel, which captures the complex beliefs and rituals of the Maya civilization. Today, Tonina is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors eager to explore its rich cultural heritage and to appreciate the monumental achievements of the Maya in art and architecture. ChatGPT (corrected).
Size: 3544px × 5176px
Location: Tonina, Chiapas, Mexico
Photo credit: © Douglas Bryant / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
Keywords: 154, captive, chiapas, classic, figure, geopolitics, kneeking, kneeling, late, maya, mexico, monument, ocosingo, polity, sacrificial, sculpture, site, tonina, valley, warfare, warlike
