Tikal Burial 196 Tomb of the Jade Jaguar - Maya Archaeology

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Besides the simple, fringed cloth mask and costume, the
bird-man wears jade earplugs similar to those worn by the
other figures on the vessel and somewhat similar to those worn
by the deceased occupant of the tomb--jade wristlets with fitted
shell pendants and some sort of obscure chest ornament
complete his costume.
Of significance is the gesture the figure is making with
his arms and hands and the careful positioning of his fingers.
This sign language is distinctly obvious on all three of the
figure-painted pots.
THE BIRD-MEN: The Bird-man with Offerings
The bird-man on the right is similar to the one on the
left except for the positions of the hands, the position of
the extended headdress element, jade jewelry, and the presence
of offerings in front of him. The hand and arm positions
have been dealt with in the preceding section; the jade
wristlet is simpler, but the chest pendant is considerably
more a complicated and, unfortunately, undecipherable. Also,
on the back of this figure is what may be the back part of the
jade necklace and, in red, some rope-like form hanging from
the figure’s left hand.
The Offerings
In front of the right bird-man are two containers of
offerings. The container immediately in front of the figure’s