Chakalte’, Relief with Enthroned Ruler


Chakalte’, Relief with Enthroned Ruler (lintel from La Pasadita, Guatemala), late 8th century (Classic Maya), limestone and paint, 88.9 x 87.6 x 7 cm (1979.206.1047) (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Key terms and concepts:

  • Classic Maya
  • ruler portrait
  • hieroglyphic text
  • Yaxchilán and Shield Jaguar IV, and the site of La Pasadita
  • quetzal feathers and jadeite
  • Chakalte’ (sculptor)
  • tribute

Additional resources:

This work at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

James Doyle, “Sacrifice, Fealty, and a Sculptor’s Signature on a Maya Relief”

James Doyle, “Maya Sculpture” on The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History


Smarthistory images for teaching and learning:

More Smarthistory images…

Cite this page as: Dr. James Doyle and Dr. Steven Zucker, "Chakalte’, Relief with Enthroned Ruler," in Smarthistory, February 7, 2017, accessed September 30, 2023, https://smarthistory.org/chakalte-ruler/.