Supernatural animals of the ancient Maya: The serpent and the jaguar in art and mythology

The Maya had one of the greatest cultures of ancient America. The artistic legacy of this civilization is displayed in magnificent monumental works of art fashioned from stone, wood, and stucco. The purpose of this study is to examine the art and iconography of two important animals in Maya culture: the serpent and the jaguar. Both animals figured prominently in Maya mythology and were often represented in sculpture and painting. Monumental artwork depicting the serpent and the jaguar from the ancient cities of Copan, Tikal, Yaxchilan, and Palenque is analyzed. These four cities flourished during the Maya Classic Period (AD 300--800) and their artwork gives us insight into ancient Maya culture and beliefs. This study shows that the serpent and the jaguar were sacred symbols of Maya belief that connected them to the Underworld. The nature of this connection involved the supernatural powers that the Maya attributed to both animals.