Learn about Lady Ik’ Skull, an ancient Maya queen of Yaxchilán, by looking at Stela 35 from Structure 21. Draped in jade jewelry and a towering feathered headdress, Lady Ik’ Skull performs a bloodletting ritual to secure her family’s legacy. But who was she, and what does this monument reveal about ancient Maya politics, religion, and royal women? In this video, we take a close look at Stela 35, a beautifully preserved Maya stela. This is one of the only known images of Lady Ik’ Skull (also called Lady Eveningstar), a queen from the 8th century who played a pivotal role in the rise of her son, Bird Jaguar IV. Through this stela, we explore the ceremony of bloodletting, Maya royal attire, and the ways elite women gained and displayed power.

This video is perfect for:

• Middle and high school students studying ancient civilizations

• Educators teaching ancient Maya history, archaeology, or art history

• Lifelong learners curious about ancient tombs and royal women

• Fans of Mesoamerican culture and archaeology

• Anyone interested in Yaxchilán or ancient Maya queenship

• Anyone interested in the history of women

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction to Lady Ik' Skull of Yaxchilán

0:29 Stela 35 as a primary source

0:42 From Calakmul to Yaxchilán, and her marriage to Itzamnaaj Bahlam III (Shield Jaguar)

1:07 Her son becomes king

1:30 A close look at Stela 35

2:24 Recoding a bloodletting ceremony

3:03 Connections to Lady K'abal Xook

3:13 More about Stela 35 and Structure 21

3:37 Lady Ik' Skull's role at Yaxchilán

Learn more

Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history

Learn about other ancient Maya queens and kings: https://www.artsq.org/the-ancient-maya-of-mesoamerica