Structure 23 at Yaxchilan, accessed through a hieroglyphic doorway naming her husband Yajaw Te' K'inich II, held three famous carved lintels that depict his primary wife, Lady K'abel. Lintel 24 in the British Museum depicts a bloodletting ceremony from October 24, 709. Lintel 25 also in the British Museum shows a vision serpent emerging from a blood ceremony. Lintel 26 in Mexico City's Museum of Anthropology depicts Lady K'abel handing battle gear to her husband. These three lintels together form a complete narrative of divine sanction for military campaigns. Lady K'abel's tomb was discovered at El Peru-Waka (not Yaxchilan) in the front right room of Structure M13-1, containing the richest grave goods found at that site, including carved bones inscribed with her name.
Lady K'abel's Palace and Famous Carved Lintels
MexicoGeneral
Key facts
- Structure 23 (Palace of Lady K'abel) dedicated in year 726
- Palace explicitly designated as Lady K'abel's personal space
- Three famous carved lintels (24, 25, 26) originally housed there
- Lintel 24 now in British Museum, depicting bloodletting ceremony on October 24, 709
- Lintel 25 (now in British Museum) shows vision serpent emerging from blood ceremony
- Lintel 26 now in Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, showing Lady K'abel handing battle gear to husband
- Three lintels present complete narrative of divine sanction for military campaigns
- Lady K'abel's tomb found in front right room with richest grave goods at Yaxchilan
- Tomb contained carved bones inscribed with her name
Site mentioned
Sources
lugares.inah.gob.mx
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