Elaborate costumes were an important part of Maya public festivals. Shell, quetzal feathers, backracks, jade pectorals, massive headdresses, and body plates transformed the dancers into historical figures, animals, and gods or other-worldly creatures. Some dances lasted all day, with food and drink brought to the participants who kept dancing. Historically, preparations for such dances were substantial, some rehearsal periods lasting for two or three months, organized by an officer known as a holpop. The holpop was a community leader, who set the key for the music, taught others and played an important role in festivals throughout the year.
This stela is of the eighth century ruler of Bonampak called Chan Muán, and it is placed within the boundaries of the plaza at that site. Plazas were probably not solely used for public theatrical events, and even during the events different parts of a plaza may have been used as stage or audience; the placement of stelae like this one would have interrupted the flow of traffic.
More information and sources:
This stela is of the eighth century ruler of Bonampak called Chan Muán, and it is placed within the boundaries of the plaza at that site. Plazas were probably not solely used for public theatrical events, and even during the events different parts of a plaza may have been used as stage or audience; the placement of stelae like this one would have interrupted the flow of traffic.
More information and sources:
- The Role of the Plaza in Maya Festivals, more on the project by Takeshi Inomata
- Bonampak, more on the history of the site
- Takeshi Inomata. 2006. Plazas, perfomers and spectators: Political theaters of the Classic Maya. Current Anthropology 47(5):805-842
