This magnificent monument (illustrations b, c, and a showing the figural portions of it) lends itself particularly well to an analysis of gesture. It shows a relatively rare scene with as many as seven characters shown in complex interaction, not unlike some of the courtly scenes depicted on painted ceramics. Furthermore, some of the characters on the bench adopt some of the already identified arm and hand gestures. The attention to detail its carvers lavished on this monument allows for an in-depth study of subtle iconography, such as minute details of headdresses, jewelry and elements of attire.

Photo: Jorge Pérez de Lara..