Yaxchilán - Stela 11

Stela 11, which stands on the main square, was to have been taken to Mexico City in 1966, but proved too heavy for the available means of transport and so remained in Yaxchilán. This stone sculpture dates from between ad 743 and 755 and on the front-facing side shows the ruler "Bird Jaguar" ascending the throne, with a holy banner being exchanged between him (on the right) and his predecessor "Shield Jaguar". On the rear side of the stela "Bird Jaguar" can be seen standing over prisoners in chains. This picture underlines the fact that success at waging war was the foundation of the dynasty.