The Palace and Temple of Columns, Labná, Yucatan--page 2 (of two pages)






The Palacio from the southwest (left) and south (center and right)

The palace, situated on a terrace, is made up of more than 60 rooms, at various levels and with patios at different levels.
 
Doors are framed with multiple engaged columns and at the top of one corner there is a striking serpent's jaw with a human head emerging from the open mouth. (See below.)
 

The corner with a human face emerging from a serpent's jaw

Scholars suggest that the face probably represents a ruler whose rule is sanctified through the serpent.
 

Decorative Puuc frieze

Chaac masks, rosettes, frets, and embedded columns occupy the upper frieze while zigzags, representing the feathered serpent, border the base.
 

The legs and feet (with elaborate boots) and loincloth of a figure

 

The long facade with several entrances

The principal facade faces south. Faces are embedded in the base and Chaac masks are above the doorways and at the corners. (See below.)
 
 

Temple of Columns

This is the most recently restored structure, so named because of the hundreds of embedded columns running along the frieze. Other buildings on the site are still not excavated.


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© 2004 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.

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