Overview:

The Altun Ha Sun God Mask is an ancient Maya artifact discovered at the Altun Ha archaeological site in Belize. The mask is believed to be from the Late to Terminal Classic period (AD 600-877). It was sculpted from jade and measures 7.1 cm (2.8 inches) across. The mask is believed to represent the facial features of Kinich Ahau, the Sun God of the Maya. The mask has been in the possession of the Belizean government since its discovery and is currently housed in the National Institute of Culture and History's Museum of Belize. It is a popular tourist attraction in Belize. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

The Sun God Mask is a prominent feature of Altun Ha, a Maya archaeological site located near Belize City in Belize. The mask, which was discovered during an archaeological excavation in the 1960s, is carved from part of a solid block of jadeite weighing almost 9 pounds. The face of the mask is stylized to represent Kinich Ahau, a sun deity in regional Maya mythology. The mask has been on display in the Belize National Museum since its discovery and is one of the most recognizable images associated with Maya culture. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Altun Ha Sun God Mask, also known as the Green Head, is a unique sculpture of an effigy head in the form of a Kinich Ahau (Sun God of the Maya). It was discovered in 1968 at Altun Ha, a Maya archaeological site in Belize. The Green Head was carved out of jadeite, a rare stone, somewhere between AD 600 to 900 and is thought to have been used in ritual ceremonies by the Maya people. The sculpture is approximately 20.5 cm by 22 cm and weighs approximately 5 kg. It is the largest jadeite object ever found in the Maya region. The mask was found intact, with the facial features of Kinich Ahau smiling out at the world. The mask is made up of 10 jadeite stones of varying sizes, including a large green head piece, four other jadeite pieces, and five smaller jadeite beads which form a necklace around the neck of the individual. The necklace is made from red and yellow jadeite and is believed to be a symbol of high status. The Altun Ha Sun God Mask is a highly significant archaeological artifact, as it is the most well-preserved and most widely known piece of art from the Maya civilization. It is also a symbol of contemporary Belizean identity. In recent years, the mask has become widely featured on coins, stamps, and other forms of art, including clothing, to promote national pride. The Altun Ha Sun God Mask is currently on display at the Belize Museum in Belize City and remains one of the most iconic archaeological artifacts from the ancient Maya civilization. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour