Maya Religion and Kingship: A Study Based on the Bonampak Murals
Abstract
The Maya culture is unique and of great importance to scholars’ research. The unusual portraits and carvings are closely related to religion and convey the population's religious devotion to its gods, as well as the immense power of its rulers. These rulers could be portrayed as embodiments of the divine and were admired by the population. The literature analysis approach is used in this research, with the main focus on the murals to examine the relationship between Maya religion and royal power and how this connection affected the Maya population. According to the study, Maya kings presented themselves as representatives of the gods and wielded absolute power. Using their influence, they imbued texts, artifacts, and other cultural objects with religious meaning. It not only encouraged people to admire the kings but also made the population believe that the rulers could provide them with considerable advantages.
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