Antique Mayan Sculpture - Old Man of Copan
This Ancient Mayan Sculpture, a gift from Honduras, is a striking replica of a revered Pauahtun/Bakab relic, modeled after the iconic stone carvings of Copan—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the ancient Maya civilization’s most celebrated cities. This important ancient Mayan site was discovered in 1570, excavated in 1800s and found to be abandoned by the early 10th century. Today, research has revealed that Copan city has a complex of plazas, stadium, monoliths, stairways, and was home to as many as 20,000 people. The Pauahtun are believed to be four brothers that are gods and hold up the sky. Each brother is tasked with holding a corner of the Universe.
It is likely handcrafted by a skilled sculptor before the 20th century. This piece captures the grandeur of the original 8th-century guardians that adorned Copan’s Temple 11, embodying the spiritual and artistic essence of Maya cosmology. It is composed of materials of the local area, including volcanic ash or pumice and other volcanic debris such as plagioclase and sanidine. While its precise origins remain undocumented, the sculpture is a significant cultural artifact that reflects meticulous craftsmanship and serves as an homage to the cultural legacy of Honduras and the enduring artistry of the Maya people.
The Government of Honduras gifted the sculpture in 1954 and then rededicated in 2025 after some academic research revealing its indigenous origins.