| Tulum Stela 1 | |
|---|---|
| Material | Limestone |
| Size | c.1.8 metres |
| Writing | Mayan Script |
| Created | 564 AD |
| Discovered | Tulum, Mexico |
| Present location | British Museum,London |
| Registration | Am1924,0510.1 |
Tulum Stela 1 is the name of aMayan engraved monolith that was found at the ancient Mesoamerican site ofTulum inMexico. Known for its important inscription, the stela was purchased by theBritish Museum in 1924.[1]
The large stonestela portrays in low relief a standing Maya lord in fullregalia, with a long inscription inMayan hieroglyphs framing the image. The headdress is that ofK'awiil, the skirt that of theTonsured Maize God. The pillar was badly damaged when discovered and is missing parts of the base. The condition of the extant carving has also faded through watererosion. The longinscription includes a date that corresponds to 564 AD, based on theMayan system of recording time.[2]
Stela 1 was found byJohn Lloyd Stephens andFrederick Catherwood during their exploration of theYucatán peninsular in the early nineteenth century. It was discovered near the 'Temple of the Initial Series' which lies to the south of the main castle at Tulum. This temple was named after Stela 1 as its Mayan inscription has the earliest recorded date inTulum. Archaeologists estimate that most of Tulum isPost-Classic and that the city was largely built after 900 AD. As this stela predates this phase, it has been conjectured that it was moved from a neighbouring Maya city, perhapsCoba. The stela was subsequently owned by the British archaeologistThomas Gann, who sold it to the British Museum in 1924.