The Workshops in Cancuen
The Key to Success
The power of the ruler of Cancuen was not based on sale of precious goods in any form of capitalist market. Jadeite, quetzal feathers, pyrite mirrors and others were sacred and precious goods, which could only be possessed by the rulers, the Holy Lords, or their priests and elite courtiers. These items were not just status goods as diamonds or gold is today. Instead, they were sacred instruments of power, necessary elements of religious costume and ritual, which each Holy Lord of the northern kingdoms were obliged to possess, wear, and use in the great public ritual holding together these Theatre States. Each king needed the headdresses of feathers, jadeite, pyrite, shell and obsidian; they needed the carved jadeite plaques, rare pacific shell ornaments such as earspools, necklaces and instruments; they needed the sacred pyrite mirrors sometimes used to ignite ritual fires. These items all had profound sacred and symbolic significance (similar to the Catholic Pope's miter, crown, and vestments) and were used by the rulers in the spectacular temple center rituals of sacrifice and bloodletting, which drew tens of thousands of subjects to each Classic Maya center to participate or to witness the holy pageantry of the Classic Maya Theatre state.
Instruments of Power
The jadeites, quetzal feathers, obsidian, and pyrite mirrors were gifted to noble visitors. Sometimes even a daughter - a princess - was married off to a visiting king. In return, these kings were obliged to conquer other cities for Taj Chan Ahk.
The exhibition shows these workshops, with examples of raw materials, instruments, half-finished and finished items.
Close
