The Oval Palace Tablet is set behind a throne in the palace at Palenque and shows K’inich Janaab Pakal, or Pakal the Great, and Lady Sak K’uk’. Who is the ancient Maya queen Lady Sak K’uk’ of Palenque? She was a royal woman and the mother of Pakal. She is shown in this sculpture as offering a feathered headdress to Pakal as he ascended the throne. Learn more about the role of this royal woman and the symbolism (iconography) of this scene, still on display in its original location.

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 royal women

• Fans of Mesoamerican culture and archaeology

• Anyone interested in Palenque, Pakal the Great, 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