Notes from Honduras 2

Our destination was the Mayan ruins of Copan. (Has anybody read Collapse? There is a chapter about Copan.)

Since it was the hottest time of day, we decided to visit the museum on site at the ruins that afternoon. Then we would return Monday morning to see the actual ruins.

Copan is all about the ARTWORK. Like it says here...

Many of the pieces have been removed from the ruins (and replaced with replicas) and housed in the museum. Since Copan is all about the sculpture, and most of the original sculptures are in the museum, the museum is a must-see.

Speaking of replicas, this is a full-scale replica in the museum. It's of "Rosalila," an inner temple found inside the largest pyramid in the center of the acropolis.

It's a super important archaeological find because of its well-preserved elaborately sculpted facade. There were even traces of paint found on the original, so we know in what colors it was decorated.

Mayan rulers built on top of the previous ruler's construction accomplishments. When a new king ascended to the throne, he would demolish or at least partially destroy the previous ruler's temples and build right on top. Mayan cities are layers and layers of temples and shrines. (This must be MADDENING for archaeologists!) "Rosalila" is remarkable because it was so sacred that the next king did not destroy it. He built a giant temple on top of it, but he was careful that the new temple encased "Rosalila." It seemed a miracle to archaeologists to find a PRESERVED temple inside the giant temple at Copan.

One of my very favorite things...this bat...

Isn't he awesome?

Here is the big deal about him...

Two of my favorite things...

Love that bat! Ready for more cool stuff?

How about this?

I don't know what it is. The signage at the the museum was scarce, and I didn't do my usual pre-trip reading. But I still think it's pretty cool.

I know you want a close-up.

Something else I liked.

(Again, clueless about its purpose or significance.)

Check out this selection of heads.

What a variety!

I love the skilled simplicity of this one. Simple, realistic. Classic.

Compare that to this...

Not "simple." (Yikes! Not one of my favorites. I don't have to love it all, right? Also, not typical Mayan, but typical Copan.)

Check out these claws.
Grrr!

Love this:

How can you not love this face (and those teeth!) surrounded by all those skulls? This is so awesome!

An even closer inspection...

At that concludes the FIRST HALF of my random pictures from the museum. Yes, I said FIRST HALF. Aren't you anxiously awaiting the second half?

In the mean time, I leave you with the head of this old man. (Isn't he great? Look at that toothless grin!)

Adios.

P.S. Isn't Mayan art cool?