Bloodletting and the Maya
I can explain why bloodletting was important to the Maya.
Bloodletting and the Maya
I can explain why bloodletting was important to the Maya.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In another Maya city, Yaxchilán, a carved stone lintel has helped archaeologists to understand a lot about Maya beliefs.
- It shows a bloodletting ritual performed by Yaxchilán's king, Shield Jaguar the Great, and his wife, Lady K’ab’al Xook.
- Lady K’ab'al Xook pulled a thorned rope through her tongue to make it bleed so that she could speak with the gods.
- Bloodletting was important to the Maya; they believed the gods had let their blood to create the human race.
- By bloodletting, Maya rulers showed their thanks to the gods, but also showed that they were the right people to rule.
Keywords
Lintel - a lintel is the beam such as a piece of stone or wood over a door or window which supports the bricks above the door or window
Bloodletting - bloodletting was the practice of cutting part of the body to release blood
Common misconception
Bloodletting was a common and widespread practice among all Maya individuals on a regular basis.
Bloodletting rituals were primarily performed by the Maya elite, such as rulers, priests, and nobles, and were often reserved for specific ceremonial occasions or important events.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
where people gathered for important events, e.g. religious rituals
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Exit quiz
6 Questions
a beam such as a piece of stone or wood over a door or window
the practice of cutting part of the body to release blood
pictures or symbols that represent a word