The stelae symbolize the connection of the world of the living and the underworld.
This liveliness, however, is tempered in both stelae.
It seems likely that these features resulted from human modification, specifically as a byproduct of ceremonies centered on stelae endowed with sacredness.
Monuments include structures and large sculpture such as stelae that were carved with information about cosmologies and hierarchies of power.
Yaxchilan stelae often included ancestor cartouches above the ruler.
The reference would be to white stuccoed non-effigy censers used to burn incense near stelae and then left at their place of use.
Second, all of the stelae in the group have texts or iconographic content.
If individual soldiers or battalions are mentioned, they are in smaller script, or they are on stelae that do not mention a commanding superior.
