Maya ritual was more than a symbolic act. It was
a process of transformation- where spirit
entities became corporeal; and human beings
and objects acquired sacred power. This mystical
aspect was heightened by elaborate and
mysterious ceremonies. Visual record of these
rituals on murals and ceramics show the Maya as
masters of dramatic displays; using flamboyant
costumes, music, and dance to awe the people
and give them the feeling something
supernatural was happening. At the center of
such extravagances was the king, who was
regarded as a divine being. He was seen as a god
on earth with powers beyond the normal, and
like all good propagandists he used ceremony to
solidify this impression. Essential to all this was
the costumes he and his nobleman wore during
the most important events such as accession of a
king or bloodletting rites. Their clothes were
brilliantly colored, decked with feathers and
dazzling ornaments such as this wonderful jade
celt. Hung in one or two rows from the royal
belt, the celt was an emblem of both earthly and
sacred power. The gorgeous design swirls and
sweeps around the interior like beautiful silk
twisting in the wind. It is many things at once-
abstract design, esoteric script, and lovely
ornamentation all on a surface glowing with life
and warmth. The Maya believed such objects
contained sacred energy, fit only for a king.
Seeing and feeling the power and beauty of this
wonderful celt, we can easily appreciate the
respect and reverence it excited.
- (PF.4267)
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