Alfred W. Jenkins Fund

Alfred W. Jenkins Fund

The exact function of monumental stone slabs such as this one is unknown because only a few have been found in situ. One example was discovered upright in a cemetery, and scholars believe that such intricately carved stone monuments could have been used as grave markers for important individuals. In the manner of modern-day headstones, the base would have been buried in the ground. This stela is topped with three kneeling human figures wearing jaguar masks. The back of the slab is decorated with eighteen crouching jaguars. The jaguar may have been a totem animal or clan symbol of the deceased.


La función exacta de bloques monumentales de piedra como éste es desconocida, ya que solo unos pocos han sido encontrados in situ. Un ejemplo fue descubierto verticalmente en un cementerio, y académicos creen que monumentos de piedra intrincadamente tallados pueden haberse usado como marcadores de tumbas para individuos importantes. A la manera de lápidas modernas, la base habría estado enterrada. Esta estela está coronada por tres figuras humanas arrodilladas llevando mascaras de jaguar. El reverso de la piedra está decorado con dieciocho jaguares agazapados. El jaguar puede haber sido un animal totémico o un símbolo del clan del difunto.

Alfred W. Jenkins Fund

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Adler

One brown CVR hammerstone with battering on one end and one side. Ochre residue on the side with the battering. EH 5/3/2011

One gray CVR hammerstone with battering marks on one side. There are white accretions along both sides of the artifact. EH 5/3/2011

One brown and gray CVR circular hammerstone battering on one side and two ends. Red staining on the surface of the side that has the battering, possibly ochre. EH 5/2/2011

One mottled grey CVR core tool with indications of raw material testing. Grant J. Snitker 4/18/2011

One brown CVR hammerstone. Battering at either end is unclear. Random incision marks are made on its sides. Elisa Hedin 4/8/2011