Plaster Cast of Pakal
Plaster cast of stucco bust of king Pacal (or Pakal) from Palenque. Bust associated with the burial at the Temple of Inscriptions.
King Pacal – Palenque,
Donor got it from the “Old Museum” of Anthropology in Mexico City in 1960 prior to their move in 1961 (they were getting ready to move to the new museum. A young boy helped carry it to the cab. When she purchased it had already sustained damage to top knot and had some repair.
- Object: Plaster Cast of Pakal
- Artist: -
- Circa: 1970
- Dimensions: 15.25"X7.25"X7"
- Culture Area: Mesoamerica
- Cultural Group: Maya
- Cultural Context: 117.101- King Pacal Stucco Bust This replica stucco bust depicts one of the most important figures in Mayan history: King Pacal, who ruled the city of Palenque. Throughout his life, Pacal worked to build magnificent structures and buildings, such as temples, to improve his city. For example, Pacal constructed the Temple of Olvidado, which was a large complex that featured many architectural innovations, such as an underground stream for water supply and a tall, four-story tower. However, of all the structures that Pacal built, the greatest and most well-known was the Temple of Inscriptions. This temple was a massive pyramid-shaped structure, in which almost 200 years of Palenque's history was recorded. It was designed as Pacal's tomb, and had an underground chamber, in which a large sarcophagus was placed. Pacal died on March 31, 683. He had lived for 80 years, and had ruled Palenque for 68 years. After he died, he was buried in his construction, the Temple of Inscriptions, along with many valuable treasures, such as a jade mask and gold wire.
- Donor: Joan Ablon
- Catalog #: 117.101