Mayská Toniná

Mayan Toniná by Stanislav Chladek.

Ancient classic Maya city of Toniná in Chiapas Highlands, Mexico, boasts a unique and dramatic mountain setting. Discoveries in recent years have revealed a more of its artistic flair, especially virtuosity in stucco-modeling and carving of distinct three-dimensional sandstone stelae. The city, also known as “Place of Celestial Captives” had a strong militaristic tradition; often warring with its neighbors and notorious for taking large number of elite captives. Most of the captives ended their lives on a sacrificial stone in Toniná, but some survived. Among them was the king of neighboring Palenque, K’an Joy Chatham II., who was apparently released for a ransom. In that respect, Toniná militant kings resembled modern hostage takers.