The Lords of Baakal

How an emblem glyph was shared in the Western Maya Lowlands

Abstract

The Baakal emblem glyph was one of the few emblems that were shared by different cities during the Classic Period. Originally appearing at Palenque, this emblem glyph would later be used by rulers at Tortuguero and Comalcalco. The close study of the emblem glyph’s development reveals that it was brought to Tortuguero through royal marriage while its later use by Comalcalco rulers is indicative of Palenque’s growing influence in the western Maya Lowlands.