Maya stone carving depicting two figures, one armored, with one holding a staff and the other in a kneeling position, surrounded by intricate carvings and symbols, displayed on a red wall.

Lady K'abal Xook (Lady Xoc)

Classic Period Maya Queen (8th century CE)

The principal wife of King Shield Jaguar, Lady K'abal Xook was a queen of Yaxchilán in the Classic period. Today, a series of lintels depicting her engaged in bloodletting and experiencing a vision serpent help us to understand her story.

Ancient Maya stone relief showing two figures, one standing and one kneeling, with elaborate headwear and clothing, in a museum display with a red background.
Bloodletting and Lady Xook

Why are the lintels of Yaxchilán so important? This video focuses on Lintel 25 from Structure 23, which features Lady K’abal Xook (sometimes spelled Xoc).

Mayan stone carving with hieroglyphics, on display in a museum, featuring intricate patterns and figures on a purple background.
Learn more about the Classic Maya and Yaxchilán

  • Simon Martin and Nikolai Grube, Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens: Deciphering the Dynasties of the Ancient Maya (London: Thames & Hudson, 2000).

    Carolyn E. Tate, Yaxchilán: The Design of a Maya Ceremonial City (Austin: University of Texas Press, 1992).

    Lintel 25 at the British Museum