Home » Images » Mural with elite figure in ritual procession

Mural with elite figure in ritual procession

ca. 400–600
Volcanic ash, lime, mineral pigment, and mud backing
1985.104.5

This marching figure wears a tassel-headdress and is dressed in an elaborate costume.  The speech scrolls emitting from the figure’s mouth are decorated with flowers, indicating embellished speech, chanting, or singing.

The murals exhibit a number of different figures participating in a procession. Each form usually carries a type of pouch and scatters some type of ceremonial substance. Men who wore the tassel headdresses are thought to have been military commanders.