Mask Temple facts for kids
The Mask Temple is an ancient building from the Mayan civilization in Belize. It is found at an old city called Lamanai. This temple is special because it has huge stone masks carved into its sides. It is officially known as Lamanai Structure N9-56.
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About the Mask Temple
The Mask Temple is one of three main temples found at Lamanai. The other two are the Jaguar Temple and the High Temple. This temple is the smallest of the three that archaeologists have explored. Builders started working on it around 200 BC. People kept changing and adding to it until about 1300 AD. That's a very long time!
The Amazing Masks
On the right side of the temple, there is a giant mask carving. It is made from limestone, a type of rock. This mask is 13 feet tall! The mask has features that look like those from the ancient Olmec people. These features include an upturned lip and a wide nose.
There was another carving on the left side of the temple. It had been covered by a stone wall for many years. In 2011, experts uncovered it. They found that it was an identical mask! This shows how the Maya people liked to make things symmetrical, meaning both sides were the same.
When Were the Masks Added?
The masks were added to the temple much later than when it was first built. They were carved around 400 AD. This was about 600 years after the temple's original construction began. The masks wear a headdress that looks like a crocodile. This fits perfectly with the name Lamanai, which means "Submerged Crocodile."
Protecting the Masks
Because the original masks are made from limestone, they can wear away over time. Rain, wind, and even sunlight can damage them. Also, chemicals from sunscreen and oils from people's hands can harm the limestone. To keep these important masks safe, fiberglass copies were placed over them. This way, the real masks are protected from the weather and people.
Tombs Inside the Temple
Inside the Mask Temple, archaeologists found a tomb. This tomb held the remains of a man. He was buried with beautiful jewelry made from jade and shell. The tomb also once contained old fabrics and mats.
Near the temple, there is a second, smaller tomb. This tomb held the remains of a woman. Both tombs are from around the same time period. Experts believe these two people were likely important rulers of Lamanai long ago. However, their exact relationship to each other is not known for sure.
