# Uaxactun Vols. 5.2 – 5.3 ## expand\_more ##### Eric von Euw and Ian Graham. 1984 Peabody Museum Press ##### Ian Graham. 1986 Peabody Museum Press Open all sections Close all sections ### Location and Access expand\_more Uaxactun lies near the foot of an extensive belt of contorted karst terrain, which runs through north-central Peten in an arc bulging toward the southeast. In places, the edge of this hilly region forms a steep escarpment overlooking large areas of bajo; some 50 km west of Uaxactun the escarpment becomes a precipice along the foot of which runs the nascent Rio San Pedro. Near Uaxactun, a seasonal stream comes out of the hills to pursue a rather ill-defined course along the foot of the hills, tending a little east of north, later becoming a tributary of the Rio Azul. Uaxactun thus stands near the watershed between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Groups A, B, and C of the ruins were constructed on a ridge that rises to a maximum height of about 40 m above the plain. Other groups occupy less elevated ground some 800 m to the southeast. Low ground in between has been cleared as an airfield, on both sides of which a village has grown up. The aguada which supplies much of the water for the village (as it must have in antiquity) lies at the foot of the slope up to Group A. This aguada, however, has been known to dry out completely, most recently in 1978. During the Carnegie Institution's many seasons of work at the site, the staff used to ride in with mule trains from El Cayo, a four-days' journey; El Cayo, in what was then British Honduras, was reached by motorboat from Belize, ascending the river of the same name. Air service to Uaxactun, established in the late 1930s with Trimotors for the purpose of bringing out chicle, largely supplanted other means of reaching Uaxactun for the next forty years, until a road from Flores was driven through to Tikal, with a track suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles opened up from there to Uaxactun. This track was greatly improved by grading in 1984. Another road now leads from Flores via San Andres, EI Zotz, and Santa Cruz; though hardly more than a logging road, it provides an alternative route to Uaxactun now that air service to the village has ceased. This road continues past Uaxactun to Dos Lagunas. On the 1:500 000 map of the Central Lowlands area, published at the end of Volume 3 of this series, a site is shown to the east of Uaxactun with the name Ramonalito. At the time of my visit to those ruins in 1978, I was unaware that a note by A. Ledyard Smith on the same site, under the name El Paraiso, had been published in Ricketson and Ricketson (1937, pp. 295, 296). The latter name has therefore been used in the accompanying map of the area. ![Map of Uaxactun](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/peabody/files/uax_map.jpg) ### Principal Investigations at the Site expand\_more The ruins were discovered by Sylvanus Morley in May 1916. Among his chiclero guides, the aguada and campsite near the ruins were known at that time as San Leandro, but only a few years later as Bambonal. Aware of the impermanence of such names, Morley at once gave the ruins their present name ("Eight-stone") in recognition of Stela 9, the first Baktun 8 monument to be discovered. Morley's first visit was brief, and it was not until 1924 that serious investigation of the site began. Acting for the Carnegie Institution, Frans Blom spent two months making a plane-table survey (helped at first by Monroe Amsden) and taking notes on architecture and sculpture (Blom 1924). The plan he so rapidly made formed the basis of the one published by the Ricketsons (1937). In January 1927, a five-year contract to excavate having been granted the Carnegie Institution, the first season of excavations began under the leadership of Oliver Ricketson. The daunting logistical problems faced by the expedition were undoubtedly eased by the commencement a year or two earlier of large-scale chicle gathering in the region through which their supply route ran. The wide tracks cut by the P. W. Shufeldt Company for their mule trains and the regular traffic of these must have helped considerably. Largely because of Blom's suggestion that Structure E-7 and the three buildings on a mound to the east of it might have functioned as an observatory (Blom 1925), this group became the initial focus of activity. Interest in Group E was sustained with the discovery of E-7 sub, followed by excavations in the plaza in an attempt to establish a chronology of floors, stela settings, caches, etc., in the course of which Mamom pottery was first encountered. After 1930, attention was turned to other parts of the site. By far the greatest effort was concentrated upon Structure A-S, a large palace complex that proved to have a long and complicated building sequence. No attempt, however, can be made here to review the many excavations in this and other structures or their results; they have been fully published by Ricketson and Ricketson (1937) and A. L. Smith (1950), with studies of the ceramics by R. E. Smith (1955) and Smith and Gifford (1966), and of the artifacts by Kidder (1947). The principal excavators during the course of the whole undertaking were O. G. Ricketson, A. L. Smith, R. E. Smith, and E. M. Shook. Other operations of particular interest in the present context were the excavation of stela settings by A. L. Smith starting in 1928, the remapping of Groups A and B by Shook in 1935, Morley's study of the sculpture in 1928, and records made by the Smith brothers of monuments discovered after that date-the whole body of sculpture being published in The Inscriptions of Peten (Morley 1937-38). Lastly there was the excavation of Structure B-l3, which resulted in the discovery of mural paintings. As is so often the case, this occurred near the end of the final season of work at the site in 1937; fortunately, however, there was time for the artist Antonio Tejeda F. to be summoned from Guatemala to make copies, as the murals have not survived. In 1940 A. L. Smith and Shook returned to Uaxactun in order to resolve by excavation various points that had arisen during preparation of the final reports (Kidder 1940, p. 269). Shook came back to these ruins once again in 1974 for the purpose of restoring Structure E-7 sub, which had received no attention since the excavation program ended. He was assisted by volunteer workers and funds provided by Earthwatch. Since then the structure has been kept weeded by a resident guard maintained by the Guatemalan Instituto de Antropologia e Historia. In 1978, presumably at the vernal equinox, Anthony Aveni came to the site to take fresh measurements of the critical directions defined by the Group E "solar observatory" (Aveni 1980, p. 280). My own work of recording the sculpture anew was carried out in 1978 and 1979. In 1982 the Tikal National Park was extended to include Uaxactun, EI Zotz, and Yaxha. Soon after, a program of restoration was begun at Uaxactun by the Instituto de Antropologfa e Historia. Structure A-18, which had suffered a partial collapse two years previously, was stabilized and partially restored, as was Structure E-10. ### Notes on the Ruins expand\_more The setting of the ruins and the various components of them have been described in detail in the published works cited above. In the succeeding years there have naturally been changes as a sizable village grew up among them. The airfield, cleared soon after the cessation of excavations, was sited with a northeast-southwest orientation, one edge of it passing within about 100 m of Structures D-5 and D-16. Houses have been built on both sides of the airfield, extending as far as the foot of the causeway up to Group A on one side and on the other reaching the edge of the main plaza of Group D. The track leading westward between Groups Band C passes through a basin of level ground where the village burial ground is sited, before descending the north slope of the hill and crossing the arroyo. The men of the village, who are nominally engaged in the gathering of chicle and shafe palm fronds, are not entirely devoid of interest in archaeology (of a kind). In spite of this, there has not been much recent disturbance of these ruins. ### A Note on the Plan of the Ruins expand\_more The accompanying plan was prepared from that of Blom and Amsden as emended by Ricketson and Smith, which was published in Ricketson and Ricketson 1937. Into this were inserted elements of the detailed plan of Group E from the same publication and Shook's plan of Groups A and B published in Smith 1950. Some features owe their delineation to my own measurements. One problem in drafting this plan has been Blom's manner of representing mounds. Ideally, all the unexcavated mounds would have been inspected and redrawn according to the convention employed elsewhere in the Corpus, but the dense and thorny vegetation encouraged by forty years of firewood gathering, etc., made this course impracticable. Some of the mounds that it was possible to examine were redrawn by eye, without measurement. The mounds of Group C, which is particularly difficult to explore at present, do not seem to be plotted very accurately on this map. As has been done previously when redrawing site plans originally published by the Carnegie Institution, the roman numerals used in them for structure numbers have been replaced by arabic for the sake of legibility and compactness. An unfortunate consequence in the case of Uaxactun is recognized: the altered appearance of the familiar A-V and E- VII sub. ### Register of Inscriptions at Uaxactun expand\_more Stelae 1-10, 12-23, 25, 26 Altars 1, 3 Altar of Stela 1 (to be reproduced on page directly after Stela 1 in Corpus volume 5, part 3) Altar of Stela 18 Altar of Stela 19 Mural 1 ### Notes expand\_more 1. Stela 11, which was found lying face up and broken into several pieces, was certainly carved but no longer shows recognizable elements of design. 2. Only the butt fragment of Stela 24 was found by Morley (1937-38, p. 179), and it was seen to bear very faint traces of the bottom 46 cm of a glyph panel. No photograph was taken by the ClW, and recent efforts to find the piece were unavailing. 3. Altar 2 existed as an unsculptured altar set independently. It is discussed in connection with Stela 3. 4. Altar 3, newly designated as such, is the fragment found in the fill covering Stela 26 in Structure A-5. 5. A stela fragment not recorded by Carnegie Institution workers was found on the embankment below the south end of Structure B-1. Because of its small size, poor condition, and lack of hieroglyphic elements, the description and illustration of Fragment 1, as it is now designated, will be limited to this note. Material - Limestone breccia. Dimensions - Ht 0.58 m, MW 0.63 m, MTh 0.36 m, Rel 2.0 cm Carved areas - Front only. Photograph and Drawing - Graham. ### Site Volume Reference expand\_more ## Sort SITE VOL/Part Monument Side Page Pub.year Notes Peabody Number UAXACTUN 5.2 Map 121 1984 UAXACTUN 5.2 Map of Ruins 122-123 1984 UAXACTUN 5.2 Fragment front 126 1984 drawing missing UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 1 Fragment 1, left side 133 1986 2004.15.6.13.1 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 2 right side 136 1986 2004.15.6.13.2 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 3 front 137 1986 2004.15.6.13.3 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 3 left side 138 1986 2004.15.6.13.4 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 3 right side 139 1986 2004.15.6.13.5 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 4 front 141 1986 2004.15.6.13.6 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 4 back 142 1986 2004.15.6.13.7 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 5 front 143 1986 2004.15.6.13.8 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 5 right side 145 1986 2004.15.6.13.9 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 5 left side 145 1986 2004.15.6.13.10 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 6 front 147 1986 2004.15.6.13.11 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 6 right side 148 1986 2004.15.6.13.12 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 6 left side 149 1986 2004.15.6.13.13 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 7 front 151 1986 2004.15.6.13.14 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 7 left side 152 1986 Frag. E & F 2004.15.6.13.15 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 7 right side 152 1986 2004.15.6.13.16 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 9 front 155 1986 2004.15.6.13.17 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 9 back 157 1986 2004.15.6.13.18 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 10 front 159 1986 2004.15.6.13.19 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 10 back 159 1986 2004.15.6.13.20 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 12 front 161 1986 2004.15.6.13.21 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 13 front 163 1986 2004.15.6.13.22 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 14 front 165 1986 2004.15.6.13.23 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 14 left side 166 1986 2004.15.6.13.24 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 14 left side 166 1986 2004.15.6.13.25 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 14 left side 166 1986 2004.15.6.13.26 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 16 front 169 1986 2004.15.6.13.27 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 17 front 171 1986 2004.15.6.13.28 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 18 back 175 1986 2004.15.6.13.29 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 19 front 178 1986 2004.15.6.13.30 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 19 back 180 1986 2004.15.6.13.31 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 20 front 181 1986 2004.15.6.13.32 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 20 back 183 1986 2004.15.6.13.33 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 20 left side 184 1986 2004.15.6.13.34 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 20 right side 185 1986 2004.15.6.13.35 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 21 front 187 1986 2004.15.6.13.36 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 22 front 189 1986 2004.15.6.13.37 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 22 left side 191 1986 2004.15.6.13.38 UAXACTUN 5.3 Stela 22 right side 191 1986 2004.15.6.13.39 ### Author Reference expand\_more Sort SITE (by Vol) VOL/Part Author(s) UAXACTUN 5.2 Eric von Euw and Ian Graham, Vol 5.2, 1984 UAXACTUN 5.3 Ian Graham, Vo.l 5.3, 1986 Open all sections Close all sections ### Stela 1 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 1, fragment 1, left side, 2004.15.6.13.1](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_01_1_dwg.jpg?itok=VikAqrW4) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 1, fragment 1, left side, 2004.15.6.13.1* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 1, fragment 1, left side, 2004.15.5.13.1](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_01_1_photo.jpg?itok=QvhFCU1x) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 1, fragment 1, left side, [2004.15.5.13.1](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611449?ctx=9503e3e4d3f0a204ef4cc762ac6a189d4e2e13d2&idx=0)* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 1, fragment 2, 2004.15.5.13.2](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_01_2_photo.jpg?itok=LdRCOyTQ) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 1, fragment 2, [2004.15.5.13.2](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611450?ctx=6d38bfb564a6d3c5a1af2e9a1163537641f25067&idx=0)* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 1, fragment 3, 2004.15.5.13.3](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_01_3_photo.jpg?itok=QOYMSCQ5) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 1, fragment 3, [2004.15.5.13.3](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611451?ctx=1f49be6c1a3465f9f1ec82a4e780fbed0be2d8fe&idx=0)* ## Location This stela, found by the Carnegie Institution expedition of 1916, was set in front of Structure B-1, the placement of its altar on its west side suggesting that the stela faced away from the mound. ## Condition The butt remains in situ, its north side revealed by a CIW pit. The shaft broke about 0.30 m above the plaza floor, but any carving below the line of the break on the face toward the altar has been lost through fracture and crumbling. A horizontal line perceptible on the north side may represent the bottom of the inscription on that side. All that is left of the shaft are five decayed fragments. Three were found with carving still preserved on their narrow sides, and photographs of two were reproduced by Morley (1937-38, vol. 5, pI. 65c and d), captioned as, respectively, the left and right sides; in his text, however, Morley did not venture to attribute the other, more eroded fragments (not examined by me) to one side or the other (1937-38, vol. 1, p. 209). The first fragment does show faint traces of carving on the face that would be the front if, as Morley supposed, the surviving inscription was on the left side. ## Material Limestone of poor quality. ## Shape Unknown. ## Carved Areas Only the north side, for certain (see above). ## Photographs First fragment: Graham. Other fragments: Morley. ## Drawing Graham. ## Dimensions Butt: Sort Ht 1.40 m MW 1.40 m approx. MTh 0.67m First fragment: Ht 1.30 m MW 1.00 m MTh 0.59 m (reduced by flaking) Rel 1.5cm ### Altar of Stela 1 expand\_more ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Altar 1, 2004.15.5.13.4](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_alt_1_photo.jpg?itok=5sr6hQtC) *Photo of Uaxactun, Altar 1, [2004.15.5.13.4](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611452?ctx=290fff7afaf74b49dfa6070f6ac40cd831550c9e&idx=0)* ## Location The altar lies on the west side of the stela, about one meter away from it. ## Condition Unbroken but badly eroded. ## Material Limestone. ## Shape Approximately circular. ## Carved Area Upper surface carved in intaglio rilevato with glyph cartouches arranged in a circle. ## Photograph Graham. ## Dimensions Max. dia. 1.83m MTh 0.35 m ### Stela 2 expand\_more ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 2, front, 2004.15.5.13.5](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_02_front_photo.jpg?itok=NmAug-Ub) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 2, front, [2004.15.5.13.5](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611453?ctx=a2a136aaa42c97d954a7654bc80b524429b58614&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 2, right, 2004.15.6.13.2](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_02_right_dwg.jpg?itok=Jt_mRrNf) ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 2, right, 2004.15.5.13.7](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_02_right_photo.jpg?itok=ukp5PrWt) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 2, right, 2004.15.6.13.2 (left) and photo of Uaxactun, Stela 2, right, [2004.15.5.13.7](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611455?ctx=937cfc4e9fe5e3b4368b3039e8b9e9514334fa38&idx=0) (right)* ## Location Although cracked through at the base, this stela was standing when found (it has since fallen back against the mound). It was set in front of Structure B-4, a few meters to the north of the plain Stela B4 on the east side of the main plaza of Group B. ## Condition Broken near the base of carving. The left side no longer shows any vestige of an inscription, and the front is badly eroded, but the right side is much better preserved. ## Material Limestone. ## Shape Tapers from the bottom towards the rounded top. ## Carved Areas Front and right side, and probably left side too, ## Photographs Front and left side: CIW in 1921. Right side: Graham. ## Drawing Graham, based on a field drawing corrected by artificial light. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 2.13 m PB 0.09 m approx. MW 1.10 m WBC 1.10 m approx. MTh 0.55 m Rel 4.5 cm ### Stela 3 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 3, front, 2004.15.6.13.3](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_03_front_dwg.jpg?itok=qLPIzcXb) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 3, front, 2004.15.6.13.3* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 3, front, 2004.15.5.13.8](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_03_front_photo.jpg?itok=xj6AFjkS) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 3, front, [2004.15.5.13.8](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611456?ctx=c57a92b295def481da1a8fdafbc053d110cbc35b&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 3, left, 2004.15.6.13.4](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_03_1_dwg.jpg?itok=OS6SsIH-) ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 3, right, 2004.15.6.13.5](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_03_2_dwg.jpg?itok=7ERuc3jg) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 3, left (2004.15.6.13.4) and right (2004.15.6.13.5)* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 3, left, 2004.15.5.13.9](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_03_1_photo.jpg?itok=1qDoRFuL) ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 3, right, 2004.15.5.13.10](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_03_2_photo.jpg?itok=yXq8SDOf) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 3, left ([2004.15.5.13.9](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611457?ctx=3ce0da52e608060f74a32f2a718b500ac2a1878f&idx=0)) and right ([2004.15.5.13.10](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611458?ctx=9c2581482a35f8508e1dcc96c4d8b050c92e0dd4&idx=0))* ## Location This stela was found fallen on the west side of Structure B-8. The main portion lay on its face 12 m out from the mound; a fragment that could scarcely have come from this stela lay 6 m farther west; another fragment lay 8 m to the north. This last was designated Altar 2 by Blom (1924, p. 35). On opposite sides of the periphery of Altar 2 are single vertical lines; these suggested to me the possibility that the altar had been reworked from the missing lower fragment of Stela 3, the lines having once formed the lower margins of glyph panels on the sides of the stela. On turning the altar in 1978 I found carving on the underside that seemed to confirm the supposition. ## Condition The main portion is fairly well preserved on all three sculptured sides, erosion of the surfaces having been rather uniform. The carving on the front of the lower fragment naturally suffered damage at the original breakage, and then during reworking into an altar. ## Material Fine-grained limestone. ## Shape Sides bulge somewhat; rounding of top is irregular. Front surface is somewhat convex, the back unevenly dressed. Shape of butt is unknown (trimmed for reuse). ## Carved Areas Front and both sides. ## Photographs Graham. ## Drawings Graham, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 2.75 m approx. PB 0.39 m plus MW 1.13 m WBC 1.05 m MTh 0.53 m Rel 2.1 cm ### Stela 4 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 4, front, 2004.15.6.13.6](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_04_front_dwg.jpg?itok=WIK_DCiJ) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 4, front, 2004.15.6.13.6* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 4, front, 2004.15.5.13.11](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_04_front_photo.jpg?itok=WMtp8Ru5) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 4, front, [2004.15.5.13.11](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611459?ctx=e83023973fce3d07ce977a73867941f92f31f15d&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 4, back, 2004.15.6.13.7](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_04_back_dwg.jpg?itok=A_2WhUbb) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 4, back, 2004.15.6.13.7* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 4, back, 2004.15.5.13.12](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_04_back_photo.jpg?itok=fCfolDmf) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 4, back, [2004.15.5.13.12](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611460?ctx=408dab050004cce048d72aa148ddbbe1b43b1dbb&idx=0)* ## Location When found, the surviving portion of this stela was standing in situ on the north side of Structure B-8 between Stela 5 and Altar 1. After excavating its setting, the CIW left the fragment buried in the trench. ## Condition The upper half or third is now missing. The front surface is rather badly weathered, but with patches of detail preserved; the back is in better condition over about half its surface. ## Material Limestone. ## Shape Original shape is beyond determination. Butt is asymmetrical and comes to a blunt point. ## Carved Areas Front carved in relief, back in intaglio rilevato. ## Photographs Front: CIW. Back: Graham. ## Drawings Graham. That of the front based on a photograph only; that of the back based on a field drawing corrected by artificial light. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 0.98 m plus PB 0.78 m MW 0.92 m WBC 0.78 m MTh 0.36 m Rel 0.5 cm (back; front not recorded) ### Stela 5 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 5, front, 2004.15.6.13.8](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_05_front_dwg.jpg?itok=9kHSFoP8) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 5, front, 2004.15.6.13.8* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 5, front, 2004.15.5.13.13](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_05_front_photo.jpg?itok=gP8272ZQ) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 5, front, [2004.15.5.13.13](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611461?ctx=d09ddfb6e30754c3de2db7d78ef6ae44a4e1e62e&idx=0)* *![Photo of Uaxactun Stela 5 back](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_05_back_photo.jpg?itok=naYGTsfi)* *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 5, back, 2004.15.5.13.17*## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 5, left, 2004.15.6.13.10](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_05_left_dwg.jpg?itok=TeqCzNwk) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 5, left, 2004.15.6.13.10* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 5, left, 2004.15.5.13.16](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_05_left_photo.jpg?itok=kGNJgbTP) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 5, left, [2004.15.5.13.16](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611464?ctx=3d4198af37d7de7dc197d1929bdc2d57a9778070&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 5, right, 2004.15.6.13.9](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_05_right_dwg.jpg?itok=ltNyi9t3) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 5, right, 2004.15.6.13.9* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 5, right, 2004.15.5.13.15](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_05_right_photo.jpg?itok=6Zmn_9Mc) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 5, right, [2004.15.5.13.15](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611463?ctx=b130a1ca086e4f5b72be7f7f004f259c4f3c9561&idx=0)* ## Location This stela stands on the north side of Structure B-8, about 2 m east of Stela 4. ## Condition The shaft is unbroken. The front is moderately weathered, and the sides are more so, with more serious consequences in view of the inscription's shallow relief. The fissure extending deep into the stone on the left side probably existed in the shaft when quarried. The back is in very poor condition, all of its original surface having scaled away except on the right side near the bottom where debris afforded some protection. (Note added 3/31/2023: There are indications of legs and feet of a left-facing figure on the back; it was not drawn by Graham due to its eroded condition.) ## Material Limestone. ## Shape Tapers irregularly towards the top in width, also in thickness, although this may be due partly to erosion. The butt is rounded. ## Carved Areas Front and back carved in relief, sides incised. ## Photographs Graham. ## Drawings Graham. That of the front based on a field drawing corrected by artificial light; those of the sides based on photographs taken after the glyphs had been emphasized with water-soluble pigment applied under artificial light. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 1.83 m PB 0.40 m approx. MW 1.21 m WBC 1.21 m MTh 0.64 m Rel 4.5 cm ### Stela 6 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 6, front, 2004.15.6.13.11](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_06_front_dwg.jpg?itok=Q5zuQU6Q) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 6, front, 2004.15.6.13.11* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 6, front, 2004.15.5.13.18](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_06_front_photo.jpg?itok=h1e1hvCV) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 6, front, [2004.15.5.13.18](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611466?ctx=395574d50b7c4f5582677666c7dc37fa71773318&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 6, left, 2004.15.6.13.13](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_06_left_dwg.jpg?itok=2lyx3pE3) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 6, left, 2004.15.6.13.13* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 6, left, 2004.15.5.13.20](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_06_left_photo.jpg?itok=-d8k_tlC) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 6, left, [2004.15.5.13.20](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611468?ctx=7110415c1ee8309aeacff5212aceb9d8bf6f2266&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 6, right, 2004.15.6.13.12](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_06_right_dwg.jpg?itok=7VEa5hgy) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 6, right, 2004.15.6.13.12* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 6, right, 2004.15.5.13.19](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_06_right_photo.jpg?itok=qBnVtymb) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 6, right, [2004.15.5.13.19](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611467?ctx=ea36520023735b06ea3e89cdf46a9447c34a9567&idx=0)* ## Location This stela was found standing south of Structure A-5 and is the stela second nearest it in a line of four extending toward the terrace of Structure A-1S. The lower 0.50 m or so of sculpture was then below ground level. In 1978, the stela was lying in a trench excavated by the CIW. ## Condition In one piece when discovered, it was evidently cracked through and has since broken in two. The carved surfaces are quite badly eroded. A considerable imperfection or loss in the upper left-hand area may he original; so also would seem to be the rough area on the right side. ## Material Limestone. ## Shape Parallel sides with rounded top. Butt is roughly squared off. ## Photographs Graham. ## Carved Areas Front and both sides. ## Drawing Graham, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light. ## Remarks Morley's sketch shows vestiges of glyph cartouches, which he labeled A2 and B1. I can see no evidence that they existed, therefore, his glyphs A3, A4, 82, 83, and 84 are renumbered here as A2, A3, 81, 82, and 83. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 2.12 m PB 0.68 m MW 0.84 m WBC 0.83 m MTh 0.60 m Rel 2.0 cm ### Stela 7 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 7, front, 2004.15.6.13.14](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_07_dwg.jpg?itok=Ig06a2-8) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 7, front, 2004.15.6.13.14* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 7, front, 2004.15.5.13.21](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_07_photo.jpg?itok=3NMKyXry) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 7, front, [2004.15.5.13.21](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611469?ctx=00b484ddb1351aa8a3d581de5fabd87abc30aa8b&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 7, left, 2004.15.6.13.15](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_07_left_dwg.jpg?itok=dFWRNyMI) ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 7, left, 2004.15.5.13.22](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_07_left_photo.jpg?itok=K3lL2Tp0) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 7, left, 2004.15.6.13.15 (left) and photo of Uaxactun, Stela 7, left, [2004.15.5.13.22](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611470?ctx=be49558905050eaee99d1ce1b4a9b8c0603d1572&idx=0) (right)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 7, right, 2004.15.6.13.16](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_07_right_dwg.jpg?itok=7NTLdxjL) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 7, right, 2004.15.6.13.16* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 7, right, 2004.15.5.13.23](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_07_right_photo.jpg?itok=Nggj1jX9) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 7, right, [2004.15.5.13.23](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611471?ctx=ead8b1dd4db32e36c7e497ca59d3253df169c592&idx=0)* ## Location This stela was found by Morley in 1916 on the north side of Structure A-I. The butt, broken off at ground level, remained in situ between the mound and the stairway leading up to it. In 1924 BJorn found ten carved fragments, which he labeled a to j. Only one of them, g, lay near the butt; the others were found lying in the plaza near the foot of the stairway. In 1978 only two of these fragments, band g, could be located, but another fragment, k, was identified and found to fit onto g. By 1985 fragment II had disappeared. ## Condition More than half of the carved surface of the stela has been eroded, reduced to rubble, or was never found. The upper portion, however, survived to be photogmphed in near-pristine condition. Morley states that the back, although badly damaged, appeared to be plain. ## Material Fine-grained limestone. ## Shape Rounded top, with sides apparently parallel. ## Carved Areas Front and sides. ## Photographs Fragments a and c, constituting the surviving right side of the stela: Morley. Other fragments: Graham. ## Drawings Principal line drawings: Graham, based on field drawings and on Morley's photographs. Watercolor sketches of fragments e and f are reproduced from Blom's manuscript at the same scale as the photographs. ## Dimensions Sort Ht 1.15 m (top 3 frag- ments) PB unknown MW 0.86 m WBC unknown MTh 0.45 m Rel 5.7 cm ### Stela 8 expand\_more ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 8, left side (2004.15.5.13.24) and oblique view (2004.15.5.13.25)](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_08_photo.jpg?itok=wU8LTVzO) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 8, left side ([2004.15.5.13.24](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611472?ctx=663100d4e37a771d849c0133d22f67c51f05365b&idx=0)) and oblique view ([2004.15.5.13.25](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611473?ctx=21fcb3ec99c6a2a323eeeb59ca7d21cd2bdcd75b&idx=0))* ## Location This was the central stela in a row of seven stelae ranged along the south side of the main plaza of Group A, in front of Structure A-I. When discovered by Morley in 1916, the stela lay uprooted and broken. By 1978 none of the constituent fragments could be found. ## Condition Morley's photographs Seem to show five or six principal fragments. Three of them were fitting fragments and showed the legs and feet of the figure, fairly well preserved. The central right-hand portion of lhe shaft was missing, and the upper and left-hand portions of the front no longer bore recognizable Iraces of sculpture. The left side, though essentially complete, was so badly eroded and riven by breaks that the number of glyph-blocks it bore is uncertain (perhaps eight), and the few visible details lack context. The beginning and end of the inscription on the right side were badly eroded. ## Material Limestone. ## Shape Unknown. ## Carved Areas Front and sides. ## Photographs Morley, 1922. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 2.06m PB 0.38m MW 0.76 m WBC unknown MTh 0.41 m Rel unknown ### Stela 9 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 9, front, 2004.15.6.13.17](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_09_front_dwg.jpg?itok=dyQvWOaO) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 9, front, 2004.15.6.13.17* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 9, front, 2004.15.5.13.26](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_09_front_photo.jpg?itok=gvRFshhJ) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 9, front, [2004.15.5.13.26](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611474?ctx=83ee2163d8cd1edcc4b88d2cd32b31decc3bec69&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 9, back, 2004.15.6.13.18](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_09_back_dwg.jpg?itok=RIHmTfuh) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 9, back, 2004.15.6.13.18* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 9, back, 2004.15.5.13.28](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_09_back_photo.jpg?itok=bmkvqUax) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 9, back, [2004.15.5.13.28](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611476?ctx=a99a0a40dbba0fe687bc933fbab2855a92a8b904&idx=0)* ## Location This stela, discovered by Morley in 1916, stood facing west in the main plaza of Group A, some 12 m to the northeast of the northeast corner of Structure A-2. CIW workers later lowered it to the ground to permit examination of its setting. ## Condition Unbroken, but in some areas badly weathered. The bottom row of hieroglyphs on the back appears to have been left unfinished. ## Material A hard limestone breccia. ## Shape Irregular. The front surface was clearly uneven before being carved, whereas the back was fairly flat. ## Photographs Graham. ## Carved Areas Front and back. ## Drawings Graham, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 2.54 m (front) 2.04 m (back) PB 1.25 m MW 1.15 m WBC 1.15 m MTh 0.65m Rel 6.0 cm approx. ### Stela 10 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 10, front, 2004.15.6.13.19](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_10_front_dwg.jpg?itok=R7uWjt-g) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 10, front, 2004.15.6.13.19* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 10, front, 2004.15.5.13.30](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_10_front_photo.jpg?itok=Oxb9d_vN) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 10, front, [2004.15.5.13.30](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611478?ctx=08ac267da5ebcacca7fada8ceb63808c06388439&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 10, back, 2004.15.6.13.20](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_10_back_dwg.jpg?itok=rEdmm2ro) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 10, back, 2004.15.6.13.20* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 10, back, 2004.15.5.13.31](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_10_back_photo.jpg?itok=dS0Xi5vH) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 10, back, [2004.15.5.13.31](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611479?ctx=83a6c440cc98ca2c1a6c545399a7a3076419bfcb&idx=0)* ## Location This stela was discovered in 1916, lying in the main plaza of Group A, close to Stela 9. The discovery of the latter (the first known Baktun 8 stela) diverted attention from its altar. Not until 1922 was the altar seen not only to be carved, but to have been originally a stela which was later cut down to serve as an altar. According to Morley (1937-38, vol. 1, p. 176), it lay "behind Stela 9 (northeast of it) facing the glyph side of the stela." A. L. Smith's account (in Ricketson and Ricketson 1937, p. 160) and the CIW site plans show it lying beside the stela, to the south. The side then facing up is now referred to as the front. ## Condition Broken into three pieces, both faces being unevenly and seriously eroded. The inscriptions on the sides, executed in shallow incisions and much reduced by the trimming on the shaft, have noticeably deteriorated since discovery. ## Material Limestone of somewhat coarse grain. ## Shape The altar retains a section of the erstwhile stela's straight parallel sides, trimmed above and below into semicircular outline. ## Carved Areas Front and back carved in relief, sides in broad incised lines, any finer incised lines now being obliterated. ## Photographs Graham. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 1.10 m (front) 1.17 m (back) PB 0.28 m (front) 0.21 m (back) MW 1.08 m MTh 0.30 m Rel 3.0 cm ### Stela 12 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 12, front, 2004.15.6.13.21](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_12_dwg.jpg?itok=9uzOLM21) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 12, front, 2004.15.6.13.21* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 12, front, 2004.15.5.13.36](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_12_photo.jpg?itok=zUnLT7iM) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 12, front, [2004.15.5.13.36](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611484?ctx=10b85715c8abfa4411e4fd018c3b76567ce31e2a&idx=0)* ## Location The stela was found by CIW workers in 1916, still standing and partly embedded in the side of a tree. It had been set up in front of Structure A-2, some 8 m south of the centerline of the stairway. ## Condition Unbroken and moderately weathered. ## Material White limestone of porous and uneven texture. ## Shape Front surface uneven. Sides roughly hewn but approximately parallel. Top flat with chamfered corners. ## Carved Areas Front only. ## Photograph Graham. ## Drawing Graham, based on a field drawing corrected by artificial light. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 1.41 m PB 0.68 m MW O.77m WBC 0.72 m MTh 0.35 m Rel 1.0 cm ### Stela 13 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 13, front, 2004.15.6.13.22](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_13_dwg.jpg?itok=ka1F2XtB) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 13, front, 2004.15.6.13.22* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 13, front, 2004.15.5.13.37](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_13_photo.jpg?itok=sSj-D_W5) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 13, front, [2004.15.5.13.37](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611485?ctx=375839b907bb8e6e52299dcc3d400521003d6825&idx=0)* ## Location This stela was discovered by ClW workers in 1922, lying close to the northeast corner of Structure A-2, face upward and partly covered by debris fallen from the mound. ## Condition The left-hand edge and top have suffered damage, presumably from falling masonry; fortunately the only fragment broken off that carried carved design was recovered. The upper portion of the stela, having been longest protected from erosion by debris, is least eroded. The lower portion is severely pitted. ## Material Limestone of fine gmin. ## Shape The front surface is flat, and the undamaged side is smoothly dressed to give the shaft parallel sides, which curve inward toward the top to give a rounded tip. ## Carved Areas Front only. ## Photograph Morley, 1922. ## Drawing Graham, based on a field drawing corrected by artificial light. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 2.32 m PB 0.85 m MW 0.85 m WBC 0.84 m MTh 0.54 m Rel 1.0 cm ### Stela 14 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 14, front, 2004.15.6.13.23](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_14_front_dwg.jpg?itok=mFFbm5Aa) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 14, front, 2004.15.6.13.23* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 14, front, 2004.15.5.13.38](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_14_front_photo.jpg?itok=aIqI7aHX) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 14, front, [2004.15.5.13.38](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611486?ctx=3d66b32476eaed5785d73a2c4e6144d1075090b6&idx=0)* ## Location The fragments of this stela were found in 1921, lying in the southwest corner of the main plaza of Group B, just north of Structure B-33. Because the butt had been uprooted, the predse setting of the stela is unknown. ## Condition The stela must have been broken into several pieces, of which five now survive. Blom saw a sixth, of which he made the sketch reproduced here at the same scale as the other drawings. The large upper fragment was lying face upward and is badly eroded on both the front and the left side. The three fitting fragments are quite well preserved. ## Material Limestone. ## Shape Narrows from the middle toward both bottom and top. The top is more or less rounded. Front and back seem to be fairly flat. The butt becomes 10 cm thicker 10 cm below the lowest carving. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 3.00 m approx. PB 0.63 m plus MW 1.05 m WBC unknown MTh 0.50 m Rel 3.0 cm ### Stela 15 expand\_more ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 15, front, 2004.15.5.13.40](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_15_front_photo.jpg?itok=ZHdJ2DSv) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 15, front, [2004.15.5.13.40](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611488?ctx=ec7441b52cb418233529753d844f7d2588d3b0d9&idx=0)* ## Location This stela was discovered by Morley in 1916. It is the westernmost of two stelae standing in front of Structure D-S, a small temple located at the northern extremity of Group D. ## Condition More than half of the stela must have disappeared, probably through crumbling. Only a few traces of design remain on front or back. ## Material Limestone of poor quality. ## Shape Unknown. ## Carved Areas Front carved in relief, back with two columns of intaglio glyphs. ## Photograph Morley, 1922. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 0.56 m plus PB 0.96 m MW O.84m MTh O.36m Rel not recorded ### Stela 16 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 16, front, 2004.15.6.13.27](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_16_front_dwg.jpg?itok=t5Nw0Xrk) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 16, front, 2004.15.6.13.27* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 16, front, 2004.15.5.13.41](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_16_front_photo.jpg?itok=T2kc461D) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 16, front, [2004.15.5.13.41](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611489?ctx=45d518262b23b4ef2829e062a32d2043caa30ec1&idx=0)* ## Location When discovered by Morley in 1916, the stela was standing in front of Structure D-5, a small temple at the northern extremity of Group D. Stela 15 stood alongside Stela 16 to the west. (Both stelae were later lowered to the ground to permit examination of their settings.) ## Condition The shaft is unbroken, the carving badly eroded on both sides. ## Material Limestone. ## Shape From the front, the shaft tapers gracefully to a parabolic top; the outline of the back is more parallel-sided. The butt is asymmetrical and blunt. ## Carved Areas Front carved in low relief, back in intaglio rilevata. ## Photographs Front: Graham. Back: Morley, 1922. Stereophotos: Graham. ## Drawing Graham, based on stereophotos. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 1.68 m PB O.93m MW O.95m WBC 0.95m MTh O.55m Rel 3.0 cm ### Stela 17 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 17, front, 2004.15.6.13.28](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_17_front_dwg.jpg?itok=rWJLluL7) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 17, front, 2004.15.6.13.28* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 17, front, 2004.15.5.13.45](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_17_front_photo.jpg?itok=Ny0HAKWa) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 17, front, [2004.15.5.13.45](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611493?ctx=feedc03cf10f555d5c4ff3e0efcbb74be678a378&idx=0)* ## Location When discovered in 1916, the stela stood in the small central plaza of Group D, close in front of Structure D-3. The carved side of this stela faced the mound, for which reason it was initially reported as uncarved. A plain stela stands alongside it to the southeast. While examining the setting of the stela, A. L. Smith found the lidded entrance to an empty chultun beneath a plaster floor very dose to the stela on its northwest side. ## Condition The shaft is intact. Weathering of the surface in some areas has been severe, in others less damaging because uniform and without pitting. ## Material Limestone of uneven quality, being hard and fine-textured in parts. ## Shape Irregular in outline, and having a front surface that was poorly dressed prior to carving. The sides, though smoothly finished, are likewise undulant. ## Carved Areas Front (southwest face) only, unless weathering has obliterated all traces of carving on the opposite face. ## Photographs Graham. ## Drawing Graham, based on a field drawing corrected by artificial light. Position of base of carving is unclear. ## Dimensions Sort HI 3.62 m MW 1.12 m MTh 0.49 m Rel 1.5 cm approx. ### Stela 18 expand\_more ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 18, front, 2004.15.5.13.48](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_18_front_photo.jpg?itok=sqQ3K5XG) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 18, front, [2004.15.5.13.48](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611496?ctx=32bb09626337fa8c7c07006bca7f0cb9421fc163&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 18, back, 2004.15.6.13.29](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_18_back_dwg.jpg?itok=akyAdSnD) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 18, back, 2004.15.6.13.29* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 18, back, 2004.15.5.13.51](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_18_back_photo.jpg?itok=CTXBlJNw) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 18, back, [2004.15.5.13.51](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611499?ctx=e3f8bc15c36fc814d39ef586f68edf53d62fcbae&idx=0)* ## Location The stela was standing in the plaza of Group E when that group was discovered in 1922. Stela 18 is the northernmost of three stelae on the west side of Structure E-2. ## Condition The shaft is unbroken. The front is severely weathered, with the formation of many deep pits. The back also is pitted, but the more even erosion on that side has been less disfiguring. ## Material Limestone, geologically fractured and recemented. ## Shape The shaft tapers from the base upward, coming to a roughly parabolic top. The front face is broader than the back, and the bull is squared off. ## Carved Areas Front and back only. ## Photographs Graham. ## Drawing Graham, based on a field drawing corrected by artificial light. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 2.48 m (front) 2.00 m (back) PB 0.89 m (front) MW 1.19m WBe 1.14 m (front) 0.95 m (back) MTh 0.77 m Rei 6.0 cm ### Stela 19 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 19, front, 2004.15.6.13.30](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_19_front_dwg.jpg?itok=PfrYjVzf) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 19, front, 2004.15.6.13.30* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 19, front, 2004.15.5.13.52](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_19_front_photo.jpg?itok=qtPTsLPJ) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 19, front, [2004.15.5.13.52](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611500?ctx=20907105bce7696b26e7440230645ad690f2b65d&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 19, back, 2004.15.6.13.31](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_19_back_dwg.jpg?itok=_hr9tkMC) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 19, back, 2004.15.6.13.31* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 19, back, 2004.15.5.13.54](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_19_back_photo.jpg?itok=qkeIeEoA) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 19, back, [2004.15.5.13.54](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611502?ctx=9f31ad3aae74ca03179cbd25ccb660ec001a5b95&idx=0)* ## Location When discovered by Morley or one of his co-workers in 1922, the lower part of the stela was in situ, forming the central member of a group of three erected at the foot of the mound supporting Structure E-2. Instead of facing due west toward Structure E-7, the stela was turned nlmost toward the northwest, this setting later being shown by excavation to be original. ## Condition Broken into four pieces. Front and back have suffered considerable erosion; there are also losses of portions of the carved surface of the front due to fracturing. The middle fragments, present in 1978, could not be found in 1985. ## Material Limestone, hard but uneven in texture. ## Shape Asymmetrical, coming to an off axis point; butt squarish. ## Photographs Front: Graham. Back: top and bottom fragments, Graham; two middle fragments, Morley. ## Drawings Graham, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 2.25 m approx. PB 1.20 m approx. MW 1.51 m WBC 1.51 m MTh 0.52 m Rel 3.0 cm ### Stela 20 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 20, front, 2004.15.6.13.32](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_20_front_dwg.jpg?itok=-b12HmGA) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 20, front, 2004.15.6.13.32* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 20, front, 2004.15.5.13.55](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_20_front_photo.jpg?itok=YF5luUfX) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 20, front, [2004.15.5.13.55](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611503?ctx=769aed9318f04d667c4005a74222d292bbe908f8&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 20, back, 2004.15.6.13.33](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_20_back_dwg.jpg?itok=5BpyZYK6) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 20, back, 2004.15.6.13.33* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 20, back, 2004.15.5.13.58](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_20_back_photo.jpg?itok=lrXsWK1j) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 20, back, [2004.15.5.13.58](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611506?ctx=dd9866f1e48dd0e95287d2e876d9e0d9018c2e55&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 20, left, 2004.15.6.13.34](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_20_left_dwg.jpg?itok=yGGCdCSW) ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 20, right, 2004.15.6.13.35](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_20_right_dwg.jpg?itok=tGewuiMx) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 20, left (2004.15.6.13.34) and right (2004.15.6.13.35)* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 20, left, 2004.15.5.13.60](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_20_left_photo.jpg?itok=fOlLy6UR) ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 20, right, 2004.15.5.13.62](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_20_right_photo.jpg?itok=4bm5jO-b) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 20, left ([2004.15.5.13.60](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611508?ctx=ad417751035ad8455c3461420123eb6874325024&idx=0)) and right ([2004.15.5.13.62](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611510?ctx=de48329314c4ea48aa4453a74ba931a4ff4c0bf7&idx=0))* ## Location This stela was discovered in 1922 by Morley and his co-workers. It was standing, as it still does, at the foot of the cast stairway of Structure E-7. ## Condition lntact. The front is moderately well preserved, but at some time since 1922 when the CIW photographs were taken, a lamina of stone from the lower left-hand area split off and was lost; on this was carved the captive on that side. Much of the back has been obliterated by weathering and blows from falling masonry. The inscription at the top of the right side appears not to have been completed. ## Material Limestone. ## Shape The shaft is of nearly uniform width but is markedly convex on the left side and concave on the right. The butt is squared off. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 2.50m PB 0.50 m approx. MW 1.23 m WBC 1.23 m MTh O.50m Rel 4.5 cm ### Stela 21 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 21, front, 2004.15.6.13.36](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_21_dwg.jpg?itok=G8v8kfIO) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 21, front, 2004.15.6.13.36* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 21, front, 2004.15.5.13.63](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_21_photo.jpg?itok=9gUvGRHc) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 21, front, [2004.15.5.13.63](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611511?ctx=50b8e2001680c83ba97d4144355ce6c3374fdbb7&idx=0)* ## Location When found in 1916, the stela was standing on the south side of Structure B-4, facing the plaza of Group B, and was classified as uncarved. When A. L. Smith investigated the setting of the stela thirteen years later, he found the butt to bear the remains of a carved design. ## Condition Unbroken. The buried remnant of carving is quite well preserved. It is clear that the rest of the carved design on that face was purposely obliterated; the hardness of the stone precludes the possibility of total erosion. The other three sides seem to have been plain from the start. ## Material A hard limestone. ## Shape The shaft was carefully dressed, with slightly bulging sides. The irregular outline of the top may be due to erosion. ## Carved Areas Front only. ## Photograph Graham. ## Drawing Graham. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 2.75m PB 0.32m MW 1.20 m WBC 1.12m MTh 0.44 m Rel 0.3 cm ### Stela 22 expand\_more ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 22, front, 2004.15.6.13.37](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_22_front_dwg.jpg?itok=ZECDKHvd) *Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 22, front, 2004.15.6.13.37* ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 22, front, 2004.15.5.13.64](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_22_front_photo.jpg?itok=IWX4NR9U) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 22, front, [2004.15.5.13.64](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611512?ctx=87217f8ed33fbac0093c3e002ff8cca3fb8ad5ce&idx=0)* ## ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 22, left, 2004.15.6.13.38](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_22_left_dwg.jpg?itok=2JYgQMCZ) ![Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 22, right, 2004.15.6.13.39](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_22_right_dwg.jpg?itok=WtEO35V4) Drawing of Uaxactun, Stela 22, left (2004.15.6.13.38) and right (2004.15.6.13.39) ## ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 22, left, 2004.15.5.13.68](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_22_left_photo.jpg?itok=nFr4rK_a) ![Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 22, right, 2004.15.5.13.69](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/peabody/files/uax_st_22_right_photo.jpg?itok=q2V_MdJf) *Photo of Uaxactun, Stela 22, left ([2004.15.5.13.68](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611516?ctx=a781ad2d48b797da28a7a3446578227ef7c11688&idx=0)) and right ([2004.15.5.13.69](https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/611517?ctx=7eac84ae742e7a05593c05e55f6a52265b51d379&idx=0))* ## Location A. L. Smith found this stela standing against the back wall of the inner chamber of a two-chamber shrine built along the south side of the central court of Structure A-5, looking outward, that is to the south. The stela was later removed from its setting to permit excavation. ## Condition The shaft is intact. Collapse of the shrine's roof at an early date may be inferred from the poor condition of the front of the stela. The sides remained in better condition. Since excavation, the front has deteriorated further. ## Material Limestone. ## Shape The face of the stela is not quite plane, but recedes slightly near the top and has a low area at about one quarter of its total height. From the front the sides are essentially parallel until they converge asymmetrically toward the flat top. The sides themselves are somewhat convex, and the columns of glyphs on them undulate, conforming to the curvature of the front. The back is roughly hewn and bulges outward with a humpback. ## Carved Areas Front and both sides. ## Photographs Front: entire shaft, Graham. Partial view of front: Morley. Sides: Graham. ## Drawings Graham. ## Dimensions Sort HLC 2.16m PB 0.43 m MW 0.93m WBC 0.90m MTh 0.40 m Rel 2.5 cm ### Stelae 23 to 27 expand\_more Note added 3/31/2023: Vol 5.3 ends with Stela 22 for reasons of space. Stelae 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 are not yet published.