Pastel on Wood
24x36"
Stone carvings, or stelae, in the ancient cities of the Late Classic Maya, depicted victors and the vanquished of squirmishes. These small battles between cities such as Tonina and Palenque were power plays. Unlike modern battles, the object of warfare was to capture noblity and display them in compromising positions. The ball court games were the venue.
The glyphs in this painting are deciphered to emphasize the meaning of the piece.