This stucco head, originating from the ancient Maya city of Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico, dates to the Late Classic period, roughly 600–900 AD.

Measuring 28 × 21 centimeters, it exemplifies the extraordinary skill of Maya artisans in modeling stucco—a versatile material widely used for architectural ornamentation, lifelike portraiture, and ceremonial imagery.

The head’s finely rendered facial planes, expressive features, and subtle attention to anatomical detail reflect the artistic sophistication characteristic of Palenque, a center renowned for its refined aesthetic and complex royal iconography.

Such stucco sculptures were often integrated into temple façades or palace interiors, serving not only as decorative elements but also as powerful symbols of political authority, religious identity, and dynastic continuity within Maya society.