Tomb at Altun HaDiscovered deep within the huge stair block at the top of the Temple of Masonry Altars (Temple B4) of Altun Ha, was the tomb of an elderly priest along with the largest carved jade artifact ever recovered in the Maya area. The maximum length of the tomb is 427 cm and maximum width is 143 cm at tomb center. The total height is 149 cm at the north end and 159 cm at tomb center and the south end. The skeleton was found fully extended dorsal, with the skull oriented south south west. Forensic evidence indicates that the skeleton was of a middle aged man with a height of 170-171 cm. Virtually the entire crypt appears to have been draped in dyed red cloth. There was a total of 82 artefacts found associated with the tomb including the jade head.Jade HeadThe 'Jade Head' as it is most commonly known is a giant full-rounded elaborately carved head of the deity, the Sun God, Kinich Ahau. The face is marked by large, nearly crossed circular eyes, bordered by raised ridges extending to the headress and down to connect with the ear ornaments. At the base each eye enclosure is a pendant, covering the greater part of the cheeks. The short snout like nose has a pendant like piece that may be an extension of the upper lip with a smaller decoration atop.
At the mouth corners are large 'fangs' extending
down and curving backwards. Immediately beneath the chin are pendants with an area marked by a series of lines curving backward towards the sides of the head.
Material: albite-jadeite
Dimensions: 14.9 cm (5.8 ins.);
circumference 45.9 cm; weight: 4.42 kg (9 ¾ lbs.)

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